

> ^ * 

<■ 

. I 







•^OV*^ - 

^ O ^1 


'^ov 








' ”0 

4>q 

tv.. '^* O 


<!59o 

<t ' o 

aNO'3 .<^ ^ '-O. '•v. 

V v’^’' * *^0 O'^ 




> ,.M!I^ ^ <i/ 

☆ 


AO. 


,S « ■» 7-.^ '/> -•-' t.''’»Oi^ 

yCO ^ 

f.<P o 


. ^y//i^ V V 

^ 'v^ ^<% -); 

I ® 

o ^ A o 

5p ^.°; " 










• ■“ ''®''^'' o •t^ .A 




v- ^ 

** 


.u,./ 


o ^ 
z 

o ^ 

O 




'■r.t 


I*, -’b-?’ •"^^ : -Vo' «.^fe'. %-^ 

V °^/J’ ,“».■ ..<?^\. I' 



A o WJIsW jj «? » «2ifK& V --S'-. 

?> '^. ’to ■'a. ^ ^ M}?Z^ 


« ■^O .> K"* 


-aV V 4 


> O <■ 




5 ” 

^ilP * J^\t. ° 

4^ ^ * A^v 


>» >>1^^ y 

•o-. « .tA^er/io. o -ta a* V ; 



AJ?o 




aA ■j’j. 


vT vj 






[W V ^ <h 


5P<1 




cf^^O 




^o K'* 



* ^ -™'^’ o \4' f t ■^'<^ 

' ,<b^'^!r. - . 

'ov^ ' S^: '^'■O^ 

^*<s’ »^fe; %‘<^ -'^Ai 

\ '. W/ l^.‘ ^‘’\ %W-" •<^''^< 4 . ° 

> ^T' "' 1 ‘^^t,* '^'■/<fj,‘'°'‘* 0 ^^e °"”>*''''0 ->?■' *' 

'■ •%>" : w ».^a . ■%v^ 






, . «P . 




> \W/ % ^IIP/ <r 

'^ov V- 

A.O ^ *>” AOr/^, ^ 




■:■ >: (® X ■^*== X '”■ 

^ Q-\ ^ 


4 ?^ V, ^ ^ 





4$^ '^JV J!^ ^ 

o ^q. 


■(AVAiX^^ X> rA^^AiX^ 




-^;.- X "-. 

•*«■>' A.S 


*. \-X 


SJ-' ^ . 


'fo 






37 ^ 


( H^ onxteysion 



ALFRED HAVERMYER 

n 




Copyrighted 

BY 

Berea Printing Company 

1910 ' 



BEREA PRINTING COMPANY 
BEREA, OHIO 


CCU2S0289 


To THE MILLIONAIRS AND WOULD BE 
MILLIONAIRS OF THE UNITED STATES THIS 
BOOK IS LOVINGLY DEDICATED. 

—Alfred Havermyer 






^i;,/" ">V\ •- * ' 


“ ^1^.1 it «- ::^ • 








-^?%i*^"** ^ * 'Olft? 

* ‘ f* ** » • lii •' 

• *1 •- •» •• • ^ 


*%' '>’'*' 


' -' ?<;■'*. >lt^,|^-»^ 

• ‘-'V* **v-f ^ 

■v'v -- .' .>i^;ii#;> 


• - - Cw • 

». r •'»r=k‘ ‘ 

^ ' *>!• >. \ ‘ '*(^- 










V 


'i 4 














f r 


St 




f»"v’lr^: 

■ ■•' , 




'IT 


» 'J/ 






» 


*^1 




.C. 






w: 


'■(;■<(.( .W 


o ‘1 ‘i 




■f'>'-V 




■ ♦ 


'• 11' -’’ 


'i, ■• 


\ r 

••# ji » r 


I. > 


w 


.V « 


£ivW 

yi ^' . 


I V i 


» » ' 


*■ * i‘ •‘■» 

‘ • jS^ ^ "ft JL.W. ^ ■»■-' •* 


•Til'- 






•vl- ' 






. * \ 




'\ V 




L •> . - 1 _ 


K * I *jaA' 




'M 


i4 


5> 






11 






' »r. 


,^>5 




.MW 




'U.*i 


w-c*: 


. f 


'a:v 




S’ • f 


•r xv 


/. •! • t W 


r«‘ 


‘ 






i 1- 




! ^td 


K. .4 ; , ., 


.1® 


«t 




ilV 




»4 






#.• 








V' ■:-:7...- 


m' ■>< 




u 




f \ 




A 




.S.-' 


I0.r^^. 




i^A 


.‘n'VV 




't^:U 


• '•-1 


I < 


Vn. ;;♦ . »•' 


«« 


.1 


»•. 


I «• 








7» *“ 


’■J 


L*i - * 


: ^ 


m 


I. !r3 


^l 






^-rV! 






17. ’-L. 


I. 


4 


O'' ‘ 


iA: 








J. 






•V‘-*v 




itnf. 


V/ 




<1^ 


% 


t»- %'• 




T<. 






V <■. 


[T>< 


I . .' 


I>.7\ 






' #>' ' ■ »’ 'fe 

■■J '; iv/lff-.-' V ■ ;■: 

^ ‘ • i • I 










''K 


i 


4 I 


I - , 


'. I 


fit] 




i ..\ 


^ A- 




m 


m 


A> 


ri't'S. 


fflr-K- a 




^,' VI 


»v 


V t 


V. 


r ' 1 


iC. 




« 


r 1 


f i 








J*''* V 






V I 

r., 




f\ikJ.Lv. 


Ti »// 


( I 


m 


#•< 


f 1 i' 




h<- y 


1i 




^iJ 


t / 












-1\ 


y. ,:'/.f 


V.J', 








*• *, J' I 


k 


■> ' 'A 


ft r 4 • . 


.'_i ^ Jl 


»'/*• ••> ▲/ -a 




f *ry ^ 






I Vi' 


m 


ft.>i 


£ 


i <- 


U 4' .4 ■■• , * 

. ■■ * ■ *^^'1 


% 


Myv. 




4 




Si>: 








ftr 


w>f' 


r<* '••-/ 




**i 


I 




H ftiL 


•#Z) 




'■4H 






cj» ^'‘ V . '-iy . ’ ' 1 r w-tf'. r ' f 




'iiv *. 








The Conversion of John Stoneman. 

CHAPTER I. 


It was a quiet afternoon in March, 1923. The promises of 
spring, early and beautiful, were in fields and woods, while the 
very air breathed the freshness of bursting buds and green 
leaves. True it was, that these were only false promises, to be 
followed by rain, sleet, snow and blustering lake-winds, but for 
the time being, there was relief from the long, cold winter, and 
all who could do so were out of doors breathing in freshness and 
ozone. 

The Forest City was alive with gladness, and the gay autos 
and rich turnouts, kept idle by the hard winter, flew through 
the parks and along the boulevards. 

On the corner of Myron Avenue and 341st Street, stood a 
wooden chapel, built by the Church Extension Society of the 
Methodist Episcopal CWrch. 

On this Sunday afternoon, a large audience had gathered 
for worship. There was nothing peculiar or remarkable about 
the chapel or the services. The preacher. Rev, James Backus, 
some thirty years of age, was tall, strongly built, well educated 
and of pleasing address. His wife, two or three years his junior, 
was a young woman of medium height, with blue eyes and charm- 
ing personality. Both were good singers, she playing the piano 
and leading the singing in the services. 

It was their custom to spend a few moments before the reg- 
ular services in singing sacred songs. 

On this occasion, soon after the singing began, an auto came 
almst noislessly, from the east. In it were the chauffeur, and 
an old man wrapped and muffled against any sudden change in 
the treacherous March weather. 

Just as the auto came in front of the Chapel, Mrs. Backus 
was singing the solo part of the new song, 

"^‘‘Settling with God.” 

One charm of her singing was her distinct pronunciation 
of the words, so all could understand, and still she gave the true 


2 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


power to the music. The words she was singing as the auto ap- 
proached, were: 

Man’s millions and fame, they are worthless as dross, 
If his motives are base, untrue. 

Grod’s day-book will tell the profit or loss. 

When he strikes the balance for you.” 

The singing attracted the attention of the old man, who or- 
dered the chauffeur to stop, and after listening till the chorus 
had been sung, got out and entered the chapel, taking a seat 
well in the rear, and listened to the music with much interest. 

The opening exercises followed, and the preacher took for 
his text the 21st verse of the 14th chapter of J ohn : 

^‘He that hath my commandments and keepeth them, he it 
is that loveth me and he that loveth me shall be loved by my 
Father, and I will love him and will manifest myself unto him.” 
The sermon was not long, but in a calm voice and almost busi- 
ness like manner. Mr. Backus said : ‘ ^ This is a wonderful state- 
ment when we consider the speaker, the party spoken of, and 
those to whom he spoke. The Son of God was talking to men 
about God his Father, and was telling them how men could 
win the love of God and Jesus Christ His Son. He made 
obedience to his commands the only way by which man can 
enter into family relations with Deity, and that this is the 
most natural and perfect way that could be thought of. which 
is through love. Many professing Christians make great 
mistakes here. They profess to love God and Christ, and 
then go to their stores, shops, offices or other business, and 
say and do those things they know are in violation of Christ’s 
commands. am,” he said, ‘^a comparative stranger, to 

most present, and I do not know the habits, the business, or 
faults of any, so cannot be accused of being personal. My text 
is to sinful men and women, and if I know my Master’s call it 
is to help them see their sins, and show them the way to repent- 
ance and the promise of free pardon through obedience to Christ. 
All sin is a violation of His commands, and this violation is con- 
fined to no class and no condition or environment. To each is 
presented the same question, ^do you, have you obeyed the 
commands of Christ?’ Have you, who are grocery-men, bought 
and sold justly, no over charge, no under weight? Have you 
gardeners measured full and just quarts and pecks telling the 
exact truth? Have you business men met your brothers fairly 
and honestly, taking no advantages that you would not wish to 
be known to all? Have you working-men, in the hours of labor 
given the time and services for which you have been paid? Have 


THE CONVERSION OP JOHN STONEMAN 


3 


you, fathers and mothers, lived before your children as you 
should, and as you knew was your duty ? 

‘^If Christ’s commands are lovingly obeyed by parents in 
business and home, their children will grow up loving home and 
the right, and the blessings of God are promised to such. If in 
these or any other relations of life, you have failed to obey 
Christ’s commands, you have not loved God or your neighbor. 
Christ was asked by a learned Scribe, ‘Which is the first 
commandment of all?’ He answered, ‘The first commandment 
of all is, ‘ ‘ Hear Oh Israel, the Lord our God is one Lord and thou 
shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy 
soul and with all thy mind and with all thy strength.” This is 
the first commandment, and the second is like unto it, “Thou 
shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.’ 

“Many try to love God with heart and soul, but keep their 
mind and strength to serve selfish ends, and wicked purposes. 
What did Christ mean by using the words, ‘mind and 
strength?’ Is it not everything in a man or controlled by him, 
which has or may have potency for good or evil ? God demands a 
consecrated soul, heart, mind, body and pocket-book. My text 
calls for obedient, loving-service, in all the walks of life and he 
who overreaches, or gathers honors or wealth by crushing or in- 
juring others, is out of harmony with God’s laws, and loves 
neither God nor man, no matter what his church relations may 
be.” 

He talked along this line for thirty minutes, and closed with 
these words ‘ ‘ Test your acts by the ethics of Christ, and you will 
see yourself in the true light. Try this, dear friends, and in true 
repentance you will find pardon and strength and help to undo 
the wrongs, overcome the evil, and be a wholehearted Christian, 
living in loving obedience to Christ’s commands.” His closing 
words made a deep impression. As the last hymn was being 
sung the old man quietly left the church and when the preacher 
reached the door to greet strangers, the auto was gone. 

The next day a man rang the bell at the parsonage and said 
“if it would not cause them any inconvenience, Mr. John Stone- 
man would be pleased to have the preacher and wife call and 
see him at three P. M., of that day and if they would be so kind 
as to bring the words and music of the piece ‘Settling with 
God,’ he would think it a great favor.” The invitation was ac- 
cepted, but there was not a little surprise in that home, and 
wonderment, for they had heard and read much of John Stone- 
man, and knew him to be immensely wealthy, but for the past 
five years little had been said or written of him. He had dropped 
out of paper notices save in connection with some large financial 
deals. He was but little seen in public, though on Sunday, if 


4 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


pleasant, he attended morning worship. In fact Mr. Stoneman 
did not invite, or seem to care for such company and his active 
mind, disciplined to originate and plan vast financial projects 
without help from anyone, had never learned the power or joy 
of friendly intercourse with fellowmen. 

Mr. Backus and his wife asked themselves many times that 
morning, ^^Why has he sent for us?’^ They had never seen Mr. 
Stoneman to know him, and neither suspected that the old man 
who was at the afternoon meeting the day before, was the 
wealthy John Stoneman. The request that they bring the music, 
suggested something other than business or a social call, and 
when at two-thirty just as they were about to take a car, an auto 
stopped at their door, and they were invited to get in, they were 
indeed puzzled. A short spin along the avenue and soon 
they were rolling up the gravel driveway to the almost 
sylvan home where Mr. Stoneman himself stood on the porch 
and welcomed them, as though they had been friends of 
long standing. He led the way into a plainly furnished sitting- 
room where blazed a bright wood fire. The spring warmth of a 
week had changed to a dull day, with a cold wind from the 
north-west and the fire gave a genial tone to the almost sombre 
look of the large sitting-room. Mr. Stoneman asked them to lay 
aside their wraps and take seats near the fire, and Mr. and Mrs. 
Backus then recognized in Mr. Stoneman the old gentleman who 
had been at the church, and this added to their curiosity. 

After a few words of general talk, i\Ir. Stoneman said : ^ ^ As 
I passed your church yesterday I was attracted by a hymn which 
was being sung, and I stopped and remained to the service, and 
was much impressed by what I heard, and wanted to talk with 
you, and if you will, I would like to hear you sing that piece 
again. As you know, I am a very old man, and have not much 
more time in this life, and that hymn and your sermon aroused 
a doubt in my mind as to whether I had, in the past, obeyed the 
commands of Christ in all my dealings, and whether I have not 
sadly neglected doing as I should have done, to help my fellow- 
men. I vT^anted to hear that song again if you have no objections/’ 

Mrs. Backus went to the piano and sang with much 
feeling. Mr. Stoneman thanked her and then said: ‘M have 
long been a member of the church, have at all times given to its 
support and that of other good causes, have been connected for 
years with the Sunday school, and have believed I was doing 
what was my duty, but that hymn and sermon put God and man 
before me on a business basis. If there is an evil spirit ‘going 
to and fro in the earth’ to make men bad, it found the weakness 
in me, for I was truly ‘self deceived’ as you have said in your 
sermon, but I believe now I am truly sorry. How can I make 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


5 


amends? All or nearly all those wronged in the carrying out 
of my financial plans are dead and gone. I have told my Savior 
that I am ready and willing to make restitution and from this 
time I will obey his commandments and do my best to love my 
neighbor as myself. I want, as far as possible, to redeem the fail- 
ure and sins of the past. I thought you good people, good 
friends I trust after this, can and will help me. ’ ’ 

Mrs. Backus, with tears in her blue eyes took the old man^s 
hand and said: ‘^Dear Mr. Stoneman, we will help you all we 
can.^’ Mr. Backus, almost as much affected as his wife, said: 
^‘Yes, Mr. Stoneman, the Lord helping us, we will be true friends, 
and aid you in any way possible. Will it not be better for us 
all to ask our Heavenly Father ^s guidance in this?^' , 

Mr. Stoneman was pleased with the suggestion and all knelt 
in prayer. Mr. Backus led, but IMr. Stoneman followed and his 
prayer was so child-like in its simplicity and trust, that the 
others were greatly moved. They all realized that the spiritual 
kingdom is never far from one of God’s poor children who truly 
asks for divine help. After they had risen and taken seats Mr. 
Stoneman said: ‘^Brother Backus, is your church large enough, 
and fully equipped to meet the demands of your parish?” 

‘^No,” said Mtr. Backus, ‘Hhe pastor who preceded me had 
been planning for a larger and better church, more adapted to the 
needs of the work, but the panic of 1918 was severely felt dur- 
ing his term, so that the work could not then be undertaken, and 
indeed business men are only just now recovering. But T intend 
to look into the matter, and if possible start the movement, 
though I may not be here to see it finished.” 

Mr. Stoneman said: ‘Wour present location does not seem 
to be the most desirable. I do not think money put into that 
location would bring as large returns as in a location some blocks 
farther west. I have often been along that street, and this morn- 
ing I took particular notice, and if your church was located about 
five blocks farther west it would accommodate more people, than 
in any other location on the street and the investment would be 
far better.” 

‘Wou are no doubt correct, Mr. Stoneman,” said Mr. Back- 
us, ‘‘but the land there is much more valuable than the lot the 
church now owns, and I fear my people could not raise so much 
money. They are mostly common business men, clerks, school 
teachers, and the like, but there are no rich members in my 
church, and but few are fairly well to do.” 

“My dear friends,” said Mr. Stoneman, “I want in some 
way to show my Savior that I intend to do His will, and as an 
expression of this, will give the lot and will pay for a modern 
well planned church, and when finished I will turn the pro- 


6 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


perty over to your society, provided your people furnish and 
thoroughly equip the church and its several departments with all 
that is needed. I will pay for the organ as part of the church, 
and also furnish the pulpit, but the carpets and furnishings 
for the Sunday school and church department work, your Board 
of Trustees must provide. A department church is greatly 
needed in that section. There is one other condition. The lot 
your church now occupies is a good place for a parsonage, and 
when the church is finished, you can sell the old church building 
to some other denomination or use it as a mission church in some 
other locality, and then a fine parsonage for the pastor and fam- 
ily can be built on that lot, which I find is eighty feet front and 
one-hundred and fifty feet deep. The lot will be large enough 
so you can have a good garden of flowers, and out door work will 
do you both good. But this must all be kept quiet, and no one 
must know who pays for the church and my name must not be 
mentioned. Can you meet these conditions?’’ 

Mrs. Backus could not keep the tears back, and her husband 
could hardly speak. But with much feeling he said : ‘ ‘ Mr. Stone- 
man, this is a most unexpected and generous offer, and is to us a 
great surprise. I can assure you, however, that your conditions 
can and will be met in letter and spirit, though I cannot promise 
that quick witted, keen eyed people, may not guess that Mr. 
Stoneman is the generous giver and benefactor. But this will 
not be absolute knowledge, and they will not know one thing of 
this, or be able to guess it from anything M^s. Backus or I do, or 
say. We will not in any way use falsehood, but we will keep 
things covered as much as possible.” ^'That is all I ask,” said 
Mr. Stoneman. ^Wou get your plans drawn by your best archi- 
tect so as to cover all that is needed in an institutional church. 
The lot is 120 feet front by 200 feet deep and we will not be 
stinted for room nor do I want him stinted in price, but do not 
let him put in any frills that will cost money and do no good. 
The material can be either brick or stone, but I think glazed brick 
or granite better for they absorb little water and always look well. 
You and your Board can determine this. I shall be glad to see 
the plans and specifications when you have them ready, and after 
we have fully agreed, you can get bids from good contractors 
covering the whole work. You can slip in here quietly and we 
will fix up matters so no one but you and I will know about it. 
I advise that you pick the best man as contractor. It may cost 
a little more, but in the long run it is cheaper, and if you let 
the whole job to one man or firm, there is only one to liold re- 
sponsible, and my experience has been that one responsible party 
is the best investment. After the contract is signed I will place 
the contract price in the bank, or give orders to the bank to pay 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


7 


the contractor's estimates on your 0. K. and you will report the 
same to me by mail. I think I did not tell you that the land 
belongs to me, though it does not stand in my name on the re- 
cords, so this will give no clue.’^ 

Mr. and Mrs. Backus thanked Mr. Stoneman as best they 
could, though words were weak, and with hearts full of love and 
joy they bade him good night, and were swiftly whirled to the 
parsonage. 


8 


THE CONVERSION OP JOHN STONEMAN 


CHAPTER II. 

The next day Mr. Stoneman was up bright and early, and 
surprised his grandson and servants, by his more than usual 
cheerful talk, and almost boyish actions. He called his grand- 
son, a young man of 17 or 18 and said: ^^My son, I have slept 
well and feel almost young again, but I am very old, and what 
I do must be done quickly. I wish to see the Director of Chari- 
ties, the Street Commissioner and the Mayor of the City, so I 
will be much obliged if you will ask them to call and see me this 
afternoon at four o’clock.^’ The young man promptly did as 
requested and received answers that the Mayor and Director of 
Charities would come, but that the Commissioner was out of the 
city, and could not be present. The young man reported to his 
grandfather and then asked ‘Ms there anything else, grand- 
father, I can do for jonV’ “No, my son, it is too damp to-day 
for me to go out, but you can ride if you wish,’’ and away the 
boy bounded for a gallop through the parks and boulevards. 

Mr. Stoneman ’s mind was now bent on studying how to in- 
vest his large wealth to do the most good. Always before this, 
from the time he was a young man he had tried to do the most 
good as he understood it, by making the best investments possi- 
ble. When he gave to charity it was always with such condi- 
tions as would bring the largest results. But he saw now that 
with most of his gifts, there was a degree of selfishness and ex- 
pectation of benefit to come to himself, either in quieting talk 
as to his methods, winning friends, or spiking the guns of some 
enemy. His gifts had been large, and to worthy and proper 
objects, but he knew that something in the spirit of givdng or 
in the gift had been wrong, for putting his gifts altogether they 
had not brought him the warmth or glow of heart, or such bright- 
ness into his life, as the proposed gift to the church had produced. 
He now wanted to invest his money for the benefit of his fellow- 
men in distinct obedience to Christ, and in some manner undo 
the mistakes he knew must have been perpetrated to bring him 
such enormous wealth. The problem was great, and he began to re- 
alize a little how human skill and wisdom need divine help, to so 
distribute earthly riches, that good and not harm is the result. 
He had the city map brought, which was charted so as to show 
not only the elevations of the city, but the nature of the im- 
provements in each part of the city. His ever active mind had seen 
that this information might some day be helpful in matters of 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


9 


investment, but he had never called it into service for any noble 
and Christian purpose. Now his soul was warm with love for 
his fellow-beings, and when the Mayor, a young man of good 
family, though a politician of the better type, and the Director of 
Charities arrived, they could not account for the hearty and 
warm welcome given them by Mr. Stoneman. The Director of 
Charities was a man 65 or more years of age, well fitted for the 
place. Unlike the Mayor, he held to his Christian faith, and 
practiced this in his official life, and no better man could have 
been found in the city to befriend the poor, through the great 
gifts of the rich, and he knew the location of the dark and sore 
spots in the city. After a little talk on general subjects, Mr. 
Stoneman said: ^‘You are no doubt wondering why I sent for 
you, but before I go into the subject, I must ask that for the 
present, at least, your visit and its object as I shall unfold it, 
be kept from all but ourselves, for I have found many well 
planned enterprises defeated by too much publicity.’’ Both 
visitors gave their word to keep matters quiet, and Mr. 
Stoneman continued : ^ M take pleasure in telling you gentle- 

men, and am sorry my past life makes it necessary to tell it, 
that I have found my mistake and that now I am trying to obey 
the commands and teachings of Christ. It might be interesting 
but it would not pay anyone, to study how I came to miss seeing 
duty in the right light. But I made a great and sad mistake, and 
now desire so far as I can to amend the past. I want to help the 
poor of Cleveland, and sent for you that by your better knowledge 
and suggestions, I may be directed in my efforts so that the invest- 
ment of money will bring proper returns. I have always believed 
that a man should help himself as far as possible, but I now see 
God’s plan is to give the greatest happiness to those who help 
others. I know that he that helps the poor, unfortunate, 
the broken hearted, to help themselves is doing more for them 
and for society than in any other way. But how to do this 
wisely is a very hard question, and it is upon this I ask your coun- 
sel and advice. In what way can $1,000,000 or more be invest- 
ed to help the poor and the needy of Cleveland and do the most 
good and be a lasting benefit to the city?” 

The Mayor, generally full of fun and jokes, became very 
sober and said : ^ ^ Mr. Stoneman, I greatly honor your desire to 
help the poor, but the task will be difficult. Many of the poor 
without being educated or fitted by experience for more refined 
and better living, and not knowing how to help themselves, as 
is generally understood, would be more miserable than they now 
are, by much help. Then there is the criminal class who are 
generally poor, and frequenters of the saloons and low, bad 
society, and who really prefer such ways of living. Charity to 


10 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


them is thrown away, yes, worse than wasted. If we could 
banish all the saloons, it would be the greatest help to the poor, 
as well as to the city at large that could possibly come. We can 
all see how much good has come to the smaller towns and resi- 
dent parts of our cities, from driving out the saloons, but it will 
be years before this reform can be effected in the low, bad places 
where the saloon still flourishes. ^ ^ 

'‘That gives me a good suggestion,^’ said Mr. Stoneman. 
"Now Mr. Perkins I want your views.” "There are two kinds 
of poor,” said Mr. Perkins. "The poor by accident or circum- 
stances external to self, and those who are poor because of their 
naturally low tastes and inherent weakness. The first class can 
be helped to help themselves to better ways of living, but the 
other class to be saved must be born again, before much can be 
done. In this city of one million inhabitants there are four very 
bad places where vice, degradation and poverty make the 
wretched suffer beyond what tongue can tell. One of these 
places is on the flats below Washington Boulevard. One is up the 
river about one and one-half miles where the banks and river 
bottoms are dotted with little huts as thick as they can stand, 
many of them unfit for a decent hog to live in. Another of the 
plague spots is in the south-easterly part of the city near the 
large iron manufactories and another in the eastern part, near 
the lake called 'Little Italy.’ There are other bad places, but 
these are the worst, and in them and from them is more crime 
and poverty, than all the rest of the bad places put together. 
If anything can be done to change the character of these places, 
it will be the greatest charity anyone can give, and will be a last- 
ing benefit to the city. ’ ’ 

Nothing further was said for a few moments, when Mr. 
Stoneman with his head slightly bent forward, seemingly in 
deep thought, speaking slowly said: "I thank you gentlemen 
very much, and I think I can see now far enough ahead to take 
one step, but to do what I have in mind, I must work quietly, 
unknown and unseen.” 

Mayor Walker answered: "We will both be glad to give 
you all the help possible, but one thing must be guarded against. 
There are any number of shiftless lazy good-for-nothing tramps, 
and hangers on, who if they learned that charity is being doled 
out to the poor, will flock to this city, and gravitate to these bad 
places spoken of by Mr. Perkins, and more harm than good may 
result to the city.” 

To this Mr. Perkins fully agreed, and Mr. Stoneman said, 
"The money I think of investing will be used in such a way 
that it will not look like charity, nor will it have any inviting 
promise for the tramp, but as I said the quiet way is the best 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


11 


way and I trust you will not think me rude, if I do not disclose 
my half formed and crude ideas, which may be changed or 
abandoned upon more mature consideration/’ 

Both visitors said they did not care to know his plans and 
rose to go. ^‘Wait a moment, gentlemen, please,” said Mr. Stone- 
man and he touched a button and a servant entered with coffee, 
cookies and fruit of several kinds. They had a pleasant lunch 
but the subject of charities or helping the poor was no more 
spoken of. 

That evening Mr. Stoneman studied his maps and dictated 
a letter to a well known real estate agent named Taylor, who for 
years had known the city, and was naturally curious as to why 
Mr. Stoneman had sent for him, but he came promptly, and was 
taken into the library and shown the maps and places spoken of 
by Mr. Perkins, and was asked what the land in each district 
was worth. Mr. Taylor was so well informed that he could an- 
swer promptly, and, his answers being satisfactory, Mr. Stoneman 
said : ‘‘My method is to do much and say little, and in this mat- 
ter it is very neccessary to keep things quiet. I want options 
to purchase all the fronts I have marked out in red ink on this 
blue-print. You may take the options to you and your assigns. 
I want to pay a fair price, but will not be held up to pay anyone 
more than the land is really worth. Your estimates are about 
right, for they substantially agree with the opinion of my 
private agent, but he did not know I wanted to purchase, and 
in fact at that time I did not want to. You will, no doubt, find 
leases on some of this property, and these are often very trouble- 
some. Where you find a lease get an option on this first. Do 
this before you say anything to the owner of the fee, and then 
get the owner’s option subject to the lease. You will need 
money, for an option without a consideration is not valid, and 
you will find many bad men who understand this point. A 
package of $5,000 will be left at your office to-morrow, for 
which you will receipt, and I shall expect a written report each 
day, together with options taken and indorsed by you, in blank, 
with the amount paid for each option.. I may have these deeds 
taken in your name, but of that later. I will, of course, pay you 
the usual commission, and as the number of purchases and 
amounts to be paid will be quite large, you will make very well. 
As this is a peculiar purchase on my part, I do not want to let 
anyone know that I have anything to do with it, and in fact 
until you get all the options there is no certainty that anyone 
will buy. Neither now nor hereafter do I want you to mention 
my name as connected with these purchases, at least not for a 
long time.” 


12 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


Mr. Taylor thought he could so manage the business as not to 
let anything get out until he had obtained options for all the land 
desired. He started work at once, beginning at the most unde- 
sirable parts, though many of these places were good rent 
payers. Many of the owners of these tracts of land and dis- 
solute houses, stood high in social circles, in charitable work, 
and were even members of leading churches. Few, if any, knew 
who the owners were, for the owners seldom or never went near 
this property, but they were careful to demand of their agents 
the prompt collecting of as high rent as could be obtained, but 
asked no questions as to the purpose for which this property 
was used. 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


13 


CHAPTER III. 

Rev. Backus began work at once. He visited an architect, 
took him to view and measure the premises, and plans were 
drawn with specifications for a large, commodious and well 
equipped institutional church. This took some weeks, and in 
that time it became well known in the neighborhood, that the 
Mayfield Street Methodist Episcopal Church Mission was to 
have a fine church, through the generosity of some friend, and 
the reporters beset the home of Mr. Backus, and buttonholed the 
leading members to learn who this generous party was, but Mr. 
and Mrs. Backus would not tell, and the others could not. The 
quarterly conference called by the presiding elder of the dis- 
trict, as required by Church law, to consider the question of a 
new church, had hardly opened, before a reporter knocked, and 
asked if he could be present at the evening’s deliberations. This 
request was kindly refused, but he was told he might see the 
minutes of the meeting if he wanted to, after adjournment. 
When he came to see the record it only showed that a friend 
had pledged his word to buy the lot and build the church, in- 
cluding organ and pulpit, providing the church would agree to 
supply the other furnishings and build a good parsonage on the 
lot where the church stood, costing not less than $4500.00. It 
.was also a condition that the parsonage lot was to be improved 
so as to make a beautiful place of residence. There was one other 
condition, and that was that the money to do all this should be 
raised and in the bank, before the new church could be dedicat- 
ed or turned over to the trustees. It was not expected that the 
parsonage could be built until after the dedication, as the old 
church was to be used until the new w^as ready, but Mr. Stone- 
man left nothing to the whim or caprice of anyone and this im- 
perative condition had to be lived up to. 

Upon receiving the plans and specifications, Mr. Backus 
took them to Mr. Stoneman and together they examined and care- 
fully criticised them. Mr. Backus had taken suggestions from 
a great many, but from no one did he receive such helpful sug- 
gestions as from Mr. Stoneman. When the changes and sugges- 
tions were reported to the architect as coming from the board, 
he asked what other architect they had consulted, and could 
hardly believe such good and valuable amendations could have 
been thought of by anyone save a skilled architect. A contract 
was to be made with a reliable firm, and the church was to be 


14 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


finished by the first of the next November. In the meantime Mt. 
Taylor had obtained options extending for ninety days for all 
the land wanted by Mr. Stoneman, except twenty-five feet owned 
by a colored woman by the name Amanda Tilley. On this lot 
an old frame house had been very cheaply built, and the crude 
and mottled repairs made the place look more like a stable than 
a human dwelling. The owner had lived there many years, and 
at this time must have been seventy-five years of age, but she 
was still strong, active and vigorous. She wore glasses, and be- 
ing tall and bony, had a commanding presence. 

When the agent found on the tax duplicate, ‘‘Amanda 
Tilley, ’ ’ he had no thought that this would be the one hard nut to 
crack. He called at the house and found the old lady washing, 
but was surprised to find the inside of the house neat, comfort- 
able, and everything seemingly in prosperous condition. In as 
gentle a manner as he could command, he asked what she thought 
the twenty-five feet she owned were worth. 

“Oh, laws, sonny, I donT know how much money dis place 
would bring ef I wanted to sell, but its worth millions to me 
for its my home, and no one gets it until I am dead and gone.’’ 

The agent argued the matter, but it was no use, and he had 
to give it up. However these twenty-five feet were almost ex- 
actly in the center of the strip of land wanted, and something 
had to be done. Mr. Taylor reported the matter to Mr. Stoneman 
and they together discussed ways and means. Mr. Stoneman 
asked many questions about the old lady, her method of living 
and working. Mr. Taylor could tell little more than that she bought 
the lot many years before, and built a house, and there she had 
lived ever since, paying for the property by her earnings. He 
said the neighbors, and indeed all classes around there, called 
her “Aunt Mandy,” and as far as he could learn she was about 
the only really respectable person living in that square. Mr. 
Stoneman sat in thought a few moments and there came into 
his mind the story of Ahab and Nabath, but he put aside every 
thought of getting this property, except by the free will of the 
owner, and he determined that she should be more than com- 
pensated. It is true that when the agent spoke of her objec- 
tions, his first thought was force, and the power of money, but 
this was only temporary. He turned to Mr. Taylor and said : 

‘ ‘ Do you think you could get the old lady out here where I can 
talk to her?” 

Mr. Taylor replied : “ I think I could by the excuse that you 
wanted work done.” “Very well,” said Mr. Stoneman, “I will 
furnish the work, but when you make arrangements with her to 
come out you may say that her street car fare will be paid.” 

‘ ‘ Does she know you, Mr. Taylor ? ” “ I think she might recognize 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


15 


me if I was to go there, but I can have a note sent to her, giving 
directions and she will not guess that I have something to do 
with it. She was the only one on that front who owned the land 
in fee, that is, that was not under mortpge.'’ ''You may tell 
her,” said Mr. Stoneman, "that there is some very particular 
work here to be done, and I will give instructions to have her 
admitted and sent to me as soon as she comes, and then I will 
manage the rest.” 

The next morning, just before breakfast, Amanda Tilley 
arrived at the gate, which was promptly opened by the guard 
who said "Come in, I will show you the way to the office.” 
"All right,” she answered, "go on and I can follow.” But she 
was a little dashed to be conducted into the house by the front 
door, though it puzzled her a little to tell which was the front 
and which was rear, for all was so neat and trim, and there 
were many plants and flowers in all the windows. Mr. Stone- 
man met her in the hall and shook hands with the poorly dressed 
colored woman, as warmly as though she had been an old friend, 
and led her into his office, as he called his sitting-room. The day 
was a little raw, but in this room a wood Are in the large Are 
place gave cheer and warmth. The old lady was quick to take 
in all that the room showed, but she saw few of the signs of 
wealth, so often found in the homes of the rich or well to do. 
They entered into an easy conversation upon simple subjects and 
Mr. Stoneman asked if her health was good. 

"Yes sir I’se well, thank the Lord, but I ainT as spry quite 
as I was flfty years ago,” she answered. "While I can do as much 
work in a day as ever, it takes me a little longer to do it. What 
work did you want me to do?” "I will tell you about the work 
after we have talked a little. Tell me how you like living down 
among the poor, low people.” 

"AVell, Mr. Stoneman, I moved there nigh unto thirty-flve 
years ago and den all de folks were nice and respectable and all 
worked for a living. But by and by one after the other died or 
sold out, and it seemed like each new one was poorer and worser 
that the others, and its been growing poorer and lower and 
worSer ever since. I can be happy there for I mind my own 
business, and do a little now and then as I can.” "I hear they 
are trying to buy your place,” said Mr. Stoneman. "Laws honey, 
how did you hear that?” she answered. "Oh I hear many 
things, ' ’ he said, "I am older than you, and have lived here off 
and on the most of my life, and have ways of flnding out things 
not generally understood. Have you no family? Tell me 
something of yourself.” 

She answered : " I can T tell much of myself. I ’s born in 
old Ken tuck. My four children died of diphtheria inside of 


16 


THE CONVERSION OP JOHN STONEMAN 


three weeks, and then me and my old man could not stay there 
any longer, and came to Cleveland, and two years after he took 
consumption and died and I was alone. My brothers and sisters 
had been sold or they had runned away and I never saw them, 
and could not tell where to look for them if they were living, 
and may be they would ^nt care to see me or I them. My man 
and I saved a little money in the two years but this was all 
spent in the sickness and funeral, and more too, so I had to work 
and I guess this was the best thing, for it took up my time and 
gave we something to think about. I always wanted a home, 
and I found the place where I live was cheap, only $200.00, and 
I bought it on contract and worked and paid for it in one year, 
then I saved all I could until I could most pay for a house, but 
I borrowed $150.00, on a mortgage and built the place and lived 
there ever since. As for the folks there I can’t say much good 
as I told you. They all come after me, and if I had known they 
would have come, I would have bought in some other place. 
But the bad ones came so gradual like that before I knew it I 
got used to them and they to me. They are not so bad at heart 
as they are bad by being born bad and brought up with the bad. 
They most live like pigs, yes, worse than some pigs. They all 
comes to me when they are in trouble, but it’s mighty little I can 
help them most times, for I do not have much to do with these 
days, and I must save something for when I am old and can’t 
work. 

Somehow, I think if the folks who are rich, and have lots 
of money only knew how hungry the poor children are most of 
the time, they would change things somehow so all could have 
enough to eat and to wear. It is no good to give the father and 
mother money, because money w^hich is not earned is not much 
worth. The truth is, most are poor, not because they do not earn 
money enough to be comfortable, but because they spend their 
money foolishly and let their kids go hungry and unclothed. ’ ’ 
‘'You say they come to you in trouble, but how can you 
help them if you have no money?” he asked. “Laws honey, does 
you think the only thing that can help the tired, wounded, sick 
heart is money? Money is mighty good, but there are more 
heart aches that money can’t cure than it can. Take the young 
girl tempted by the glitter and excitement of the dance hall, 
and yet not wanting to do any wrong or throw herself away, 
yes, she needs money, but she needs love and sympathy strong 
enough to help her to say ‘no’ more. Then take the young 
chap who’s been on his first bum and is in despair. He don’t need 
money, he needs kindness and love and prayers to set him right 
again. I think if Christians would be more like Christ, and give 
themselves in love and sympathy, their money would do a 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


17 


mighty sight more good. You can’t make bad uns good all at once. 
Their minds and souls and bodies all have habits, and they think 
and act and feel according to these habits. It takes time and 
care to change habits. I have had young thieves come to me, 
both boys and girls who were afraid they would be arrested, 
and they always tell me the truth, and in many cases they have 
come more than once, and by kindness and praying with them 
many have turned to be good, and are now men and women liv- 
ing right. Yes, kindness and loving are ’fore anything else, and 
the bad ’uns are all my friends and they trust me.” 

It had been many years since Mr. Stoneman had shed tears 
but now his eyes were dimmed, and a new light came into his face 
and a new warmth into his heart. He asked, ‘‘How much is 
your house and lot worth?” “I spects it would sell for 
$2000, but I can’t sell it cause if I die I won’t have any home 
to die in, and I wants to die in my own home, and come straight 
from there to my heavenly home. If I should sell I should sure 
spend the money or lend it or give it away, and then I’d have 
nothing. I am getting too old to take chances. No I won’t sell 
nor yet mortgage my home.” 

“I understand just how you feel, and I think you are right,” 
said Mr. Stoneman, “but suppose you are offered $2500 for 
your property, you could then buy another home as good or 
better. ’ ’ 

“Yes I might,” she answered, “and again I might not.” 
You see I could not sell but all those folks would know, and 
when the poor things came to me for help I would certainly 
give it to them, so in a little while my money would be gone. 
You might say I could tell them, ‘No, I won’t give you any,’ but 
that would make me hard-hearted like most rich folks, and I 
would not be that way for all the homes in Cleveland. No I 
can’t sell.” 

“I understand,” said Mr. Stoneman, “and you are wise in 
being so careful, but I believe I know a way we can do, and this 
is where I want you to work for me and help me. Can you keep 
a secret?” 

“Laws, Mr. Stoneman,” she answered, “I’ze been keeping 
secrets more than thirty years and not one ever got away. The 
only secrets I have refused to keep has been murders.” “I am 
sure I can trust you,” he said. “This is the secret. I have money 
enough to do much good if it is used as it should be. I fear I have 
not made all this money in the way Christ wanted me to make it, 
and now I want to do with it the best I can so as to help most. 
I don’t know how to do this very well, and I want your help. 
I am too old and would not know how to hunt up those who need 

help, but you can, and more than that, many come to you and 
2 


18 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


you will know the truly deserving from the false. I have a 
house fully as good as yours, on a street but a little way from 
where you live, but on a hill. The lot is 50 feet front and 150 
feet deep, and I will exchange my place, for yours, provided 
you are satisfied, and will go into partnership with me in help- 
ing the poor and needy. I will furnish the money or capital 
as they say, and you must do the giving. This will not be a 
sale of your home, only exchanging it, and putting it in another 
place, and this new home will be a good place for carrying on 
the work that I want you to do.. We shall be called partners, 
but as you will do the work you must be paid a salary. How 
much each month do you think you will want?’^ 

Amanda ^s eyes had been growing bigger and brighter, and 
her face took on a curious cast as the idea that she was to be 
free to use money to help the poor as much as she wanted to, came 
within her mental grasp. She had not thought of herself, nor 
had she fully comprehended the meaning of Mr. Stoneman’s 
question and offer. 

She said to Mr. Stoneman: ^‘You mean that I can have an- 
other house good as mine and you pay me to use your money 
to help the poor good for nothings and bad Mns ? ’ ^ ^ Mt may look 
that way to you, auntie, ’ ’ said Mr. Stoneman, ' ‘ but not to me, ’ ’ 
For many years I have said that what I had belonged to the 
Lord, but I did not act as though it did, nor use it as though it 
belonged to Him, or as if I was His trustee. Now I know it be- 
longs to the Lord and also to my fellowmen who are my brothers 
and His children, and I give it to the Lord when I help those in 
need.’’ ^Wou are right there,” she said, ^‘but I am not fit to 
do much work, besides, how do you know I won’t steal your 
money ? ’ ’ 

Mr. Stoneman smiled at this and said : ‘ Mn all well conduct- 
ed business enterprises, and helping others should be done as 
a business, books of accounts are kept showing all money receiv- 
ed and paid out. They also generally keep the names of those 
from whom money is received, and to whom it is paid and the 
amounts in each case. In some kinds of business reports of 
what is taken in and paid out, are made each day, and in others 
every week or month. In our business, you could make out and 
send me a report each Monday morning, for the previous week. 
If you need help about keeping the accounts and making the 
report you can have some girl or boy who needs the work to help 
you. I am to be what they call a silent partner. Do you know 
what a silent partner means?” 

'‘That must be a partner who keeps his mouth shut,” she 
answered. Mr. Stoneman smiled and said : ' ' That is partly right 
but not quite all, for a truly silent partner would not talk over 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


19 


the business in the presence and hearing of strangers, but the 
silent partner is expected to talk with his partner, and help to 
plan and make the business a success, but he is not generally 
known as being a partner. Between us it means, that you are 
not to let anyone know that I have anything to do with the com- 
pany. We call our partnership ^^The Amanda Tilley Belief 
Company, Post-office Box No. 49. If you are asked about the 
Company you can tell them that is a subject you cannot discuss 
or talk about, and say no more. This work will take all your 
time and you will be obliged to employ some help, and I think 
you should draw $75.00 a month for the work will not be easy, 
though I believe you will like it.’’ 

At this Amanda threw up her arms and exclaimed, $75.00 
a month! Laws I aint worth half dat and what in the world 
would I do with all that money?” But Mr. Stoneman said: 

don’t you see you must have someone to help you in your 
house work and to run errands, and in that way you will be 
able to help more people and do more good, but you must re- 
member the business will grow and this will cost you more 
money. Besides all this I want you to save up something for 
old age. For a starter how much will you need to help the poor 
and those who are in want?” 

^‘Now Mr. Stoneman,” she said, can’t tell nothing about 
that. I suppose $5.00, to $10.00 a week stuck around them 
would make them happy.” ‘^Very well,” he answered, will 
place in the bank, money enough so you can draw what you 
want, and do not be afraid to draw all that you can use in a 
good way to help those who are worthy. You see I have great 
confidence in you.” 

^'Does you think they must all be worthy?” she asked 
cause I don’t understand this is like Christ. He gives to 
all us poor, ignorant, sinful wretches, but where is there one who 
is worthy of one-half what the good Lord gives? No you must 
drop out the worthy.” 

‘ ^ I think you are right, ’ ’ he said, ^ ^ and I only intended that 
you should not let those who make a bad use of the money have 
it. As soon as they learn you have money there will be many 
beggars and lazy tramps ready to help you spend it. They will 
work all sorts of fraud tricks on you, and you will make 
mistakes now and then, but do not worry about that. No one 
ever did business who did not make mistakes.” 

As the proposition sank deeper into Amanda’s mental be- 
ing, she became almost frightened at the task, and the responsi- 
bility of the undertaking. From the time she first entered the 
house and met Mr. Stoneman she was under the spell of his 
master will. 


20 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


'‘Before begins this helping business/’ she said, “there bet- 
ter be some smart thinking. Now suppose a young chap comes 
sneaking in the back door and says ‘Aunt Manda, I done lost the 
last cent and I wants two flips to get over to-night,’ should I 
give him the money? An’ suppose a woman comes with her eyes 
all blacked from the beating by her drunken husband and says 
‘He has drunk up all his wages and it is Saturday night and 
we hain ’t a bite to eat over Sunday and the children are all cry- 
ing because they’re hungry;’ shall I help sieh? If I know the 
Lord Jesus, He would. He would help both the good and the 
bad, and when I give two flips to the young scamp I talks to him 
and prays for him, and somewhere and sometime he will think. 
The woman and the children must not starve, so I shall help 
them, and if I could not make the man stop drinking I would 
tell the police and have him arrested for wife beating and drunk- 
enness. ’ ’ 

Mr. Stoneman was a little doubtful, if she was wise enough 
to make good investments of his charity, but he gave her the 
benefit of the doubt and said: “You will have to use your own 
judgment, for I am not experienced enough, and am too old to 
help investigate cases, and if I should try I couldn’t, for they 
wouldn’t trust me or confide in me. The best you can do, is to 
help all who need assistance and I shall be satisfied. I will go 
and show you the house I will exchange for your place, and as 
I am to have callers soon we would better go now. ’ ’ He touched 
a button, and soon his covered auto was at the door. Amanda 
had never ridden in an auto, and she was much frightened as 
well as embarrassed when Mr. Stoneman politely told her to get 
in, and then he took a seat beside her. Mr. Stoneman, notwith- 
standing his wealth, was very democratic and he saw nothing 
out of the way in riding with a colored person if he wanted to. 
Amanda could not realize that they had come eight or ten miles 
in so short a time, for they soon stopped before a neat frame 
house of eight rooms. The house had been newly painted and 
fitted up both inside and out. The gas fitters were still at work, 
putting in natural gas for the grates. Amanda in a very busi- 
ness like way, looked the house over from cellar to garret, then 
she went to the little horse barn and garden, and came back to 
Mr. Stoneman and said, “You don’t mean you will exchange this 
nice house and barn for my lot and run-down shack, do you?” 
“Yes, I will exchange even, because you are to be my partner 
you know. I want you to live in a house where you can have 
all the conveniences for doing business quickly, and in a very 
respectable way. In making the exchange all you will have to 
do is to go to Mr. Taylor’s office and sign the deed for your 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


21 


place and I will sign the deed for this place, and Mr. Taylor 
will put both on record and this can all be done day after to- 
morrow at ten o’clock in the morning. Here is Mr. Taylor’s 
card, but you can move in at once if you want to and to save 
time, as you may not have the money to pay for the moving, I 
will advance you ten dollars,” and he reached for his pocket- 
book, but Amanda quickly said : ^ M ’m much obliged to you Mr. 
Stoneman, but I ain’t that poor that I can’t pay for moving, 
but I shan’t move one thing, until I am certain this swapping 
places is honest and right. This house is better, the lot is larger, 
and I have no barn, only a miserable coal shed and I am done 
sure that this place is worth much more than mine. I can’t pay 
you any boot, and I don’t want to cheat you.” ^‘You will not be 
cheating me and I want no boot,” he answered. know some 
reasons why your place will be worth as much or more than this 
when the old house is moved away, and I hope you won’t think 
I am so foolish as to make a bargain and cheat myself. 

^^You cannot improve your place as it should be improved to 
get the most out of it and I can, so you need not fear that I am 
going to be cheated.” 

‘AYell, if you can see as much money in my old shack of a 
place as there is in this nice one you have better eyes than I have, 
if you are older. You seem honest and act as though you are 
telling the truth, so to please you I’ll swap with you.” 

Mr. Stoneman had entered into many interesting business 
arrangements, had seen millions pile up by his skill and fore- 
sight, but he never had felt such satisfaction, pleasure or exal- 
tation as when he heard Amanda Tilley say she would exchange 
places. He said to her, ^^Very well, move in as soon as you can, 
but be careful and say nothing as to how you came to move, and 
until the deeds are exchanged you can say you have not sold, 
and your place will not be deeded to me, but to some other party, 
so when the deeds are made out you won ’t know to Avhom you have 
deeded, and this will save you answering many questions.” With 
many wishes for her success he bade her good day and his auto 
whirled him away, light-hearted as a child. He had overcome 
a troublesome business obstacle, and set in motion, as he believed, 
a method by which some of his money would surely reach those 
who needed it. He could not endure the thought of the invest- 
ment being anything but good and profitable, even when the pro- 
fit was not to help his bank account. 

The next morning Amanda received type-written instruc- 
tions as to drawing from the bank, keeping her accounts and 
making her weekly reports, together with blanks for her reports. 
She could not understand how all this could have been printed 


22 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


and ready in so short a time but she did not know the resources 
or skill of Mr. Stoneman. All the papers were in the name of 
'‘The Amanda Tilley Belief Company'’ and she reported to this 
Company so Mr. Stoneman 's name was not found connected 
with her work. It cannot be denied, that Amanda was a little 
bit "stuck up" by being made so important a personage, and 
this exultation of feeling she counted a failing, from which many 
white people might well copy, and she fought it and prayed 
over it, until she had only enough pride left to make her the 
true leader and master nature intended she should be. There 
are few white or black who would not have been proud to be 
thus chosen to represent such a cause and such a man Amanda 
was fearful she might not live up to the strict religious require- 
ments expected of her when she gave advice and instructions, 
but her faith in divine help was strong, and she determined to 
do her best. 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


23 


CHAPTER IV. 


The exchange of properties removed the last hindrance to Mr. 
Stoneman ’s plan for improving the four bad places in Cleveland, 
and notices of the many pieces of land he had purchased ap- 
peared in the papers, as deeded to ‘Mames M. Taylor Jr., Trus- 
tee. The deeds did not state the nature of the trust, nor for 
what purpose he held the properties, and when he was asked he 
answered, ‘‘That is a business matter between myself and Cestui 
que trust.’’ The task of getting possession, and clearing off the 
old huts, houses, and accumulated debris, took some weeks. The 
most trouble was with the poor people who had no place to go 
and no money with which to move. Mr. Taylor was naturally 
kind and tender hearted, and by finding places, and helping 
them to move, and giving a little money, he was able to free the 
property, though in two or three eases he had to bring actions in 
court. 

The good people of Cleveland wondered, when they saw 
the teams and men at work, and such large spaces in those 
thickly settled parts cleared of dwellers and dwellings^ and many 
were the speculations as to why anyone should think of erecting 
business blocks or apartment houses or terraces in such places. 

The work however went on, bills were promptly paid and the 
city wondered more when it was seen that there were to be 
apartment houses erected with the most modern conveniences 
and improvements and that these buildings were to be absolute- 
ly fire-proof, for not a foot of wood or other combustible ma- 
terial was to be used in their construction. 

Mr. Stoneman had come to Cleveland from New York much 
earlier than usual. During the winter months he felt homesick 
for his Cleveland home, and had found a peace he had not known 
since he was a young man looking for help to start in business. 
Now he was attuned to a higher and more sacred duty which 
sounded in help to others. He had set in motion the erectioD 
of a much needed change in charities, the building of four enor- 
mous apartment houses, capable of furnishing good and comfor- 
table homes, to nearly one thousand families, and had joined his 
money with the skill, experience and sympathies of Amanda Til- 
ley to help the needy. The more he thought, the more he felt 
that what he had done could not satisfy his desire to use his 
wealth for his fellow-beings as Christ wanted he should ; and he 


24 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


began to study the conditions of the poor and suffering in other 
cities. 

One bright day in May he was enroute for New York. He 
took the best care of his health, known to science, and would 
deny himself anything that his physicians told him would be 
injurious. As usual he had with him his stenographer, private 
secretary and doctor. On reaching New York, he did not delay 
matters. He was animated by a purpose, and his friends who 
called, could not understand what put such new life and energy 
into him. His first move was to send for the Chief of Police, 
whom he questioned as to the bad places in New York, and what 
in his opinion would be the best way to give help and relief and 
purify these parts of the city. The chief was well informed and 
said : ^ ^ There are many places in this great city which need puri- 
fying and they are not all among the slums, or where poverty 
exists. No two locations need exactly the same treatment. Take 
the Chinese. Many of these are well to do, but they do not like 
or appreciate our way of living. There are two of these dis- 
tricts and if there was some society or party who would put u]; 
the proper buildings, and furnish schools, to teach not only 
books, but the best of all there is in Anglo-Saxon living, so that 
the children could see the difference, there would in a few years 
be produced, in my opinion, a great change. The peculiar ways 
and prejudice of these people must be humored, and not opposed 
or made fun of. The children will quickly tell the difference 
between the ways of living, and will carry this knowledge to 
their homes. It will take long and patient work. The opium 
dens can be driven out if we get the boys and girls, and there 
are more children now in Chinatown than formerly. The older 
children should be taught some kind of useful work, other than 
washing and cooking. If to the schools there could be added 
better homes, and Americans could live among these people, the 
work of improving them would be more quickly successful. 

^^The Jewish quarters need about the same treatment, but 
there is little call for charity here. Their children will go to 
school, and will learn fast and become good scholars, but as to 
their learning to do different kinds of work I am in doubt. Very 
few Jews are farmers, carpenters, masons, etc., though if they 
would take up these lines of business it would be much better 
for the Hebrew nation and the Gentiles as well. If workshops 
and manual training could be introduced it would be a blessing. 

' ‘ In the Italian quarters many are very poor. As a class they 
are not money makers in a large way, and they gamble so much 
that they keep themselves poor. As a rule they have large fami- 
lies. These people should be furnished cheap homes, cheap food, 
and the law against overcrowding should be rightly enforced. 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


25 


They need a different and more fatherly treatment than any 
other class. They, like the Chinese, can live where others would 
starve, but the children of the third generation make Americans 
of the first class, if they have had a chance. 

'‘Then there are places where the poor from other lands 
congregate. There are Bohemians, Irish, some Germans and 
other nationalities, and they have huddled together too thickly, 
and are often too degraded to develop anything but what is bad. 
In these districts, as in the others, improved dwellings and 
places for honorable fairly paid employment will do very much. 
If these improvements could be carried out, other changes would 
naturally follow, and the uplift in morals of the city would be 
the result. To do this, or half that I have suggested, would take 
a vast sum of money, and almost infinite patience, for no one is 
so stubborn or obstinate as the ignorant poor.’’ 

After the chief of police had departed Mr. Stoneman sat in 
deep thought, then touched a button and called a trusted page. 
The boy was about seventeen years of age, polite, quick of move- 
ment and attentive. Mr. Stoneman said: "John, you may call 
my banker and ask him to stop here at close of business, and also 
take this note to my private office and hand it to my chief invest- 
ment clerk, and this to my charity clerk.” Mr. Stoneman was 
too busy for an hour or two with callers to give much thought to 
his great purpose, but when his banker came at three P. M., 
he excused himself and the two entered into financial matters 
at once. 

Mr. Stoneman asked : ' ' Mr. Moses, how are money mat- 
ters?” This was not what Mr. Moses expected, and he was not 
certain what the question meant. ' ' Do you mean your money mat- 
ters, ” he asked, "or financial matters in general?” "I had my 
own matters in mind,” said Mr. Stoneman. "Well,” said the 
banker, "your balance to-day was $6,525,810.21. We loaned 
two millions to the Third National on Government four per 
cents, at two per cent call, and bought the control of the New 
York Panama Steamship Company which took $3,520,410. We 
are sure the dividends from this investment will be large. The 
other investments were reported last month.” "What dividends 
do you think the new steamship line will pay ? ’ ’ asked Mr. Stone- 
man. "Prom all I can learn,” Mr. Moses replied, "the divi- 
dends should be from twelve to fifteen per cent the first year. 
The call for manufactured goods now that China has wakened 
and has been taught her lesson, is enormous, and greater than 
can be filled by all the bottoms afloat. Then there are Manchuria 
and the other Eastern countries which are calling loudly for our 
manufactured goods and machinery of this country, which seems 
to me to make it almost a certainty that large dividends will be 


26 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


earned. But this company has certain special advantages in get- 
ting through the canal which will add to the value of the stock. 
It was largely because of these concessions of which I had a hint, 
that I advised you to purchase the controlling interest/' 

''Yes, I remember you said something about these special 
advantages, but did not explain," said Mr. Stoneman, "and I 
think this was what influenced me in giving the order, but what 
is the nature of these special privileges?" "I cannot give the 
exact terms, ' ' said Mr. Moses, ' ' and of course there is nothing in 
writing. But I understand it is by marking down the tonnage 
of all freight sent by our line. This is a matter too delicate to 
be known outside of a certain few, and I hardly feel like talk- 
ing about it. I have reasons for believing that it was very clever- 
ly worked by the Board. I do not care to mention names, how- 
ever, I can say that that young Upham is a cracker-jack when 
it comes to planning and carrying out a shady deal, for he covers 
his tracks so that the devil himself could not follow him. It has 
been hinted to me that the party who has charge of the canal, 
will not take his pay in anything but gold, which will be sent 
him frow New York by express as patent medicine. I call this 
a sharp trick, and he does not send it back to the states, nor does 
he deposit it in any bank on the Isthmus, but expresses the pack- 
age unopened to London, where a chum is to open, count, and 
report, but the word dollars is never used. He must be a bright 
fellow to hatch such a plan." "When will the next election of 
Directors take place?" asked Mr. Stoneman. 

"That comes the second Tuesday in June, and this made it 
necessary for me to act promptly in the purchase of the stock, 
so as to have it transferred before the books closed. The present 
Board is all right, but it might be well for you to have one man 
on the Board to keep watch and report to you." "You are 
right Mr. Moses, and I thank you for calling," said Mr. Stone- 
man. "Will you please send me a list of the present stockhold- 
ers and also the names of the officers and directors of this com- 
pany, together with their several addresses?" This was prom- 
ised, and the banker left as Mr. Stoneman 's chief investment 
clerk entered. 

Mr. Stoneman said to him, "I am thinking of making some 
changes and wanted my investments scheduled by countries, 
that is, a separate schedule for each country and in tabulated 
form; giving kind, amount, per cent of interest or dividend of 
last year, and the average per cent for the last five years or as 
near five years as it can be figured. I also want the present value 
of all securities. How soon do you think you could get me these 
statements?" "If the facts can all be learned in this country, it 
might be done in two days by working different sets of clerks. 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


27 


but I fear we shall be forced to cable for information. Take the 
Chinese and Japanese bonds and securities which were so quietly 
purchased two years ago, and of which we know so little, save 
that the ministers of these countries said that they were all 
right. How can I get the facts wanted as to these ‘‘Do the 
best you can, answered Mr. Stoneman, “and use the cable if 
needed, but be careful that my name is not mentioned.’^ 

The clerk was dismissed with a kind “good afternoon’’ and 
the charity clerk who was in waiting, entered. He was a man 
over fifty years of age named William Hydakooper. He had 
keen eyes, a benevolent face, and was fully six feet in height. 
Mr. Stoneman asked: “How are charity demands now?” He 
answered : ‘ ‘ There are many calls but not many come within 
the rules. I have given out only about one-half of the $500,000 
you placed to the charity credit of my office last December. I have 
many calls which seem worthy at first, but they are only per- 
sonal requests or for missionary societies, or hospitals or busi- 
ness enterprises which are about half charity, and half business 
and some for priva,te schools. There are many others I cannot 
now recall and they are too numerous for you to listen to.” 

“I think,” said Mr. Stoneman, “it will be well to employ 
some worthy parties, both men and women, who can be trusted 
and who have the qualifications necessary, and especially who 
find a pleasure in doing good to the poor and needy, to investi- 
gate applications, and look up the persons wanting help. There 
may be drinking men and women who can be cured of the habit, 
but who have not the means to pay for it. Then there are others 
who are likely to lose their homes. If these are found worthy, 
give them just enough help so they can help themselves. This is 
true charity. In many cases you can make loans at a low rate 
of interest, taking such security as you can get, and having 
monthly payments made. Make the payments so small, that 
they can be surely met, and insist on prompt payment. This 
will help save the homes, and make them industrious and frugal, 
but the best of all will be the cultivation of self-respect and self- 
reliance on the part of those you help. You will no doubt make 
mistakes, for there will be many who will try to defraud, but 
never mind a few mistakes, for by them you can learn, and good 
will even come from the mistakes.” 

The agent was surprised at this, for never before had he 
heard such a warmth of human feeling exressed by Mr. Stone- 
man. This agent had been dispensing charities for his money- 
great-master for some years, and had given away hundreds of 
thousands, but never before had Mr. Stoneman talked like this. 
It was a great relief to the agent, to be given almost free rein 


28 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


in dispensing charities, without uncomfortable strings to them, 
and he went away with a light heart. 

Mr. Stoneman was now tired and almost discouraged. Hu- 
man nature reacts in old as well as young. He went to his pri- 
vate room, to think out new ways to invest his money. But 
think as hard as he might, he saw no way to use even the in- 
come, let alone the principal. His resolution however was firm- 
ly fixed to do something for New York City, but just how or 
what he could not determine. Then there were other cities, Bos- 
ton, Philadelphia and Pittsburg, not to speak of others farther 
away. That night he dreamed that an angel came and touched 
him and said, ‘'Why sleepest thou? Is there not much to be 
done?’’ The dream caused him to waken, and quite early in 
the morning he had his trusted agents taking options in those 
parts of New York mentioned by the chief of police. In about 
ten days the options had been obtained, and all tenants notified 
to leave. No one knew who was doing this, but the poor who 
were being evicted, and it was supposed large business blocks 
were to be built. The unfortunate and needy were bewildered 
and dazed at the kind treatment they received from the agents, 
for places to move to were found, and in many instances the 
first month’s rent was paid in advance for them. If any were 
sick, a good doctor was sent to treat them, and those in need of 
food and clothing found they were furnished without charge. 
Though they asked many times from whom this kindness came, no 
information was given, and in this way the necessary harshness 
of such changes was much lessened, though not entirely over- 
come. It will seem strange to those who have not studied human 
nature thoroughly, that many of these poor and degraded folk 
had become attached to their surroundings, and that many shed 
tears, when they were forced to leave what they called home. 
The breaking up of homes, even under such circumstances, 
means much to those who had never known anything better. 
Home in the English language is almost equal to love, and love 
is near neighbor to tears, and love’s language is the same in 
palace or hovel. 

One of the agents who had been taking options and notify- 
ing tenants to quit, reported to ]\Ir. Stoneman that there was 
one family, composed of grand-mother and grand-daughter who 
might cause trouble and delay, as they had a written lease, which 
would not expire until the next May. Mr. Stoneman questioned 
the agent as to the nationality, education, refinement, and ages 
of this family, and when he learned that the grand-mother was 
very old and the grand-daughter very young, his interest was 
aroused, and especially was this the case when the agent informed 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONE-MAN 


29 


him that all the people in the block and around there spoke 
of this family in high terms, and that their rooms were kept neat 
and clean, that they had a piano and other things, which told of 
better days. Mr. Stoneman was very curious to learn who they 
were, and where they came from. The agent only knew that 
they were polite and that they firmly refused to move or let the 
agent move them, though he had made them very good offers, 
both as to expenses of moving and paying rent in advance. Mr. 
Stoneman was so interested that he determined to go in person 
and see who these people were. He ordered his auto and told the 
chauffeur to run the machine to the street and number given by 
the agent. The agent hesitated and said, ‘ ‘ If you are going into 
that place with an auto, you must not go without police protec- 
tion, for no one can tell what wild fancies might enter the brains 
of those uneducated and half savage people. 

Mr. Stoneman said he did not think there would be any trou- 
ble, but to be perfectly safe, then went by the police station and 
took into the auto a stout policeman. This policeman was an 
Irishman who knew every nook and corner of New York, the good 
and bad places, and he wondered much what in the world could 
draw Mr. Stoneman to such a neighborhood. They soon entered 
the narrow, dilapidated and dirty street, and Mr. Stoneman saw 
the wisdom of having police protection, for the sight of a freshly 
painted auto, and two well dressed men with a policeman at once 
called to the street not only those living there but the boys and 
hoodlums of adjoining streets and alleys. The land optioned at 
this point covered a full square, and this was pointed out by the 
agent, and in some way the crowd knew the auto, and those in it, 
had something to do with the notices to quit. There had been 
started and well circulated, many false and vile stories, as to the 
reasons for ejecting these people from the blocks and buildings, 
and also as to the use to which the property was to be put. The 
excitement among these people was very great, and increasing. 
The presence of the policeman, however, kept them from open 
out-break, but he felt it necessary to send a call to a near-by sta- 
tion for help, and two other policemen were soon there. The 
auto stopped before a brick building several stories in height, 
though in bad repair. The agent and Mr. Stoneman entered the 
house through the front door, which was broken. The stairs and 
hall were dirty, and the only sign that a railing had ever been 
there, was a much whittled and battered newel post. They went 
up two flights of stairs, and the agent noticed that Mr. Stoneman 
was able to do this with seemingly little shortness of breath, but 
the agent did not know the strengthening inspiration that comes 
from an unselfish desire to do good to others. In all Mr. Stone- 
man’s financial plannings, he had never been more earnest or 


30 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


more active than now. As they reached the top of the second 
flight, a young man came from suite number 24. A look of 
wonder came over his face as he bowed to Mr. Stoneman and the 
agent, but he passed down the stairs without remark. It was 
in suite 24 the parties lived, whom Mr. Stoneman came to see. A 
knock at the door was answered by a young woman nineteen or 
twenty years of age. She was much frightened, for she recog' 
nized the agent as the party who had served the notice to quit, 
and as this notice gave but three days in which to get out, and 
these three days had more than expired, she took it for granted 
he had brought a judge or officer to put them out, or to have them 
arrested. She did not understand such matters, and feared there 
was trouble to come. The agent saw her anxiety, and to quiet 
her fears said : ^ AYe have called to talk with you and your grand- 
mother about vacating these rooms and you have nothing to 
fear. ' ' 

She invited them in, and to be seated. Mr. Stoneman took 
quick notice of the contents of the room, and the contrast between 
the outside and the inside. Within were many things which 
some day must have been in a house of comparative wealth, and 
the piano he noticed was one of Steinway ’s best, though not new. 
The young lady introduced her grand-mother Mrs. Barlow, to 
the agent, and he presented Mr. Stoneman. It did not take Mr. 
Stoneman long to see that these women knew the ways and had 
the habits of refined and cultured society. 

Mrs. Barlow was a woman some seventy years of age, above 
the average in height, though in feeble health. Her bright eyes 
and quick way of speaking were quite in contrast with what 
seemed a wTak body. Her mental powers were in no way im- 
paired, and her visitors felt in her presence, that she was in 
every way an equal. She looked sharply at Mr. Stoneman, when 
his name was mentioned, for his presence seemed to recall some- 
thing in the past, but she said nothing beyond the commonplace. 
After a moment’s rest Mr. Stoneman said: ‘‘You have a lease on 
these rooms till next May, and there is no law can put you out, 
nor shall any suit be brought to make you one bit of trouble, till 
that date. We came to find out what your reasons are for not 
wanting to move, if you are willing to tell them, and maybe I 
can shape matters, so your objections will not exist or will be 
overcome.” Mrs. Barlow straightened herself in her chair and 
in a quiet but firm voice said : “ We came here to live because the 
rent was cheap, and to free ourselves from certain expenses in 
a social way which we could not afford. We took a written lease 
for three years, which expires next May. We have known what it 
was to have a good home and money to get not only necessaries, 
but luxuries. That was years ago, when Mr. Barlow was living. 


THE CONVERSION OP JOHN STONEMAN 


31 


He was in the oil business, and did well, but the Standard Oil 
Company employed men to ruin his business, and not succeeding 
in this, his works were set on fire, and he was killed by some one 
that night, while he was trying to stop the fire. The investiga- 
tion as to the cause of the fire and as to how he came to fall where 
he did, was a farce. His plant was not insured, but he had $15,- 
000 life insurance, and that and the household effects were all I 
had left. Not very long after this my son-in-law and daughter 
died, and left me their little girl who is now Miss Alma E. Mor- 
ris, this young lady. Her father had only started in business and 
left no estate. I tried to live carefully and give Alma a good 
education, but I soon realized how little I knew about money, 
for it diminished very fast. I sent her to school, and she has a 
good education, but that, and our trying to live something after 
the old way, used up all we had. It was this which compelled 
us to take these quarters and now she supports herself and me by 
giving lessons in music and French and doing anything she can 
get to do. This is a very bad place in many respects and if we 
had known how bad it was we should not have come here, but 
found no other place to go, and here we are free from all social 
calls, and have found most of those around us very kind in their 
rough way. We have learned to understand them and they un- 
derstand us, and I believe they would mob anyone who would 
harm us.’’ 

^^Have you no friends to whom you can go?” asked Mr. 
Stoneman. ^^Our relatives,” she answered, ^^are most of them too 
poor to be burdened with us, though I think if Alma would leave 
me to shift for myself, she would get along much better in most 
any society. But Alma is one who will not do this, and besides 
while we are very poor we are too proud and independent to be 
dependent upon others.” 

^ ^ Do not any of your friends come to see how you get along, 
and look after your interests?” asked Mr. Stoneman. ^‘Not one 
of our former friends know where we are, save the gentleman 
you must have met on the stairs as you came up, but he is not 
able to help even himself just now, having lost his position last 
week. ’ ’ 

At this Alma turned away, but not quickly enough to keep 
Mr. Stoneman from seeing a tear coursing down her cheek. This 
gave him a clue and he asked: ‘^What was the young man doing 
and how did he come to lose his place?” ‘'He was working for 
the Combined Oil Exporting Company, and doing very well, for 
he was skillful in business matters and was expecting a raise in 
his salary. Last week the manager wanted Mr. Hoover, for that 
is his name, to do something he thought was dishonorable, and 
he asked to be excused. The manager insisted, and Mr. Hoover 


32 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


politely declined and was told last Saturday his services were no 
longer needed. But this was not the worst, for the Company 
had him black-listed, as they called it, and now he cannot get 
work in any of the large houses of New York. He is a good 
Christian young man, and he worked hard for an education and 
is very ambitious, and he feels the blow very keenly as do Alma 
and myself, for he was the only one on whom we could depend in 
case of trouble. He is brave and strong but unless he has work 
he can do little. 

Mr. Stoneman changed the subject and said: ‘‘Mrs. Bar- 
low would you be willing to move if you had a better place in a 
better neighborhood and at no more cost?’’ “Yes,” she answered. 
“If we would not be forced by our surroundings to live beyond 
our means, for all we have is what Alma earns.” Mr. Stoneman 
said : “ I have a house now vacant, fairly well furnished, situated 
in the country near Montclair, and if you will move there and 
take care of the place, that is, see that the servants take care of it. 
I will give you the rent for your services, and pay you what is 
right for the balance of your lease here.” 

The women looked at each other and a blush came to the 
wrinkled face of Mrs. Barlow as she said : ‘ ‘ Mr. Stoneman we are 
not beggars, nor do we want to accept charity. I do want to see 
Alma in a better place where she can do better and be in young 
society of her own class, and if we can serve you, and give value 
for the rent and be certain we can stay for sometime, we will 
gladly make such change.” Mr. Stoneman assured them he 
would want their help more than enough to pay the rent, but 
that he could not then stop to explain the kind of work he want- 
ed done, but he said it would be honorable and not over taxing 
or disagreeable. He said further: “Your lease runs till next 
May, what do you think it worth?” Alma interrupted and said: 
“If we are living in your house during that time we ought not 
to have you pay for this. ” “ That makes no difference, ’ ’ he said 
“for you will pay rent there, and this belongs to you and I 
think it worth $100.00.” “That is just what Mr. Hoover told us,” 
said Mrs. Barlow. “Very well,” said Mr. Stoneman, “here is 
the money, and as my agent offered to pay your moving expenses 
he will attend to that, and settle the bills.” Mr. Stoneman asked 
the agent to write the necessary receipt, which Alma signed, 
and Mr. Stoneman shook hands with both ladies, his face beam- 
ing with kindness, mixed with a little satisfaction because he had 
succeeded in having his own way in what looked to be a difficult 
business proposition. As they reached the top of the lower stairs 
they heard a tumult of voices, and saw through the open door 
a large crowd, and two policemen standing guard to keep the 
mob from coming in. 


THE CONVERSION OP JOHN STONEMAN 


33 


Mr. Stoneman did not understand the situation as well as 
the agent, who said: ^^Mr. Stoneman it will he dangerous for us 
to go out upon the street, for a mob has gathered, and no one 
can tell what a mob will do.’’ ^^Why should a mob be gathered 
here?” asked Mr. Stoneman, ^‘and what are they here for?” 
He received no answer to this, for someone on the street saw 
them coming down the stairs, and a half brick was thrown at 
them which did no damage other than to make another dint in 
the dilapidated newel post. Mr. Stoneman showed no sign of 
fear and kept on, till he stood in the door. He was a venerable, 
fine looking old man. For a moment the mob was silent, and 
held in check, and there might have been no trouble, had not 
the agent, whom several recognized as the one who had served 
the notices to quit, stepped outside in full view. This was 
enough to set the mob in motion, and threats, profane, foul lan- 
guage, and names not fit to be printed, were hurled at the agent, 
followed by sticks, potatoes, pieces of coal, eggs that had lost 
their health and such like missiles. Most of these went wild, but 
enough came near to cause Mr. Stoneman to step behind one of 
the pillars of the porch. At the first fire, the agent vanished 
up the stairs. Mr. Stoneman was greatly bewildered by the 
noise, and asked one of the policeman where his auto was. 
saw” answered the policeman, ^^that there was likely to be trou- 
ble, and told your man to pull out, and stop near the comer of 
35th and Broadway where you can reach it by the trolley line. ’ ’ 
The mob was beyond control, and very angry, but lacked a 
leader. The policeman thought they could get Mr. Stoneman 
out to the street corner where he could take a car. The moment 
they started, there was a rush, and the policeman, forced 
back against the wall, had to use their clubs right and left Mat- 
ters were getting dangerously bad for Mr. Stoneman. The 
policemen were doing their best, but the crowd was blind to 
everything but getting their hands on the agent and Mr. Stone- 
man, whom they took to be the cause of the ejectments. The 
old man stood erect and never looked prouder, or more noble 
or majestic in his life. 

Two rough fellows dodged the policeman and grabbed Mr. 
Stoneman to pull him into the street, but at that moment Alma 
Morris sprang to the side of the old man and in a tone of com- 
mand her eyes flashing in fierce anger, ordered the roughs to 
stand back, and let Mr. Stoneman alone, that he was her friend. 
There were many in the mob who knew Alma, and they counted 
her one of their number, though of a higher order, and had for 
her a regard which placed her above any suspicion of wrong. 
The men gave back. There is something strange and peculiar 
about the ignorant uncultured class, for if once a belief is fixed 


34 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


in their minds that a woman or girl is pure and true, they are 
ready to die in her defence, and she is as safe among them as 
in her own home. The nuns and deaconesses understand this, 
and the veriest hoodlum would have fought for Alma. 

In the crowd was a shrewd German, who saw a chance to 
divert the moh^s attention from the old man. ‘‘Vo is dat udder 
chap? He makes us de troubles. We gets him. At once the 
crowd started for the stairs, and in its haste blocked the way, 
so that no one could get in or out for a time. The agent was 
well posted as to New York mobs, and sought to get out by the 
rear stairs. But these he found only led into a blind alley, 
which had but one opening, and that in the face of the mob, on 
the street, and his only way of escape was to hide, or to get out 
by the way of the roof. If he went by the roof it would be nec- 
cessary for him to depend upon reaching other houses, and so on 
till he could reach the ground. The block was vacant, save the 
rooms occupied by Mrs. Barlow, and while there were plenty of 
vavant rooms in which to hide, there was, he saw, no safety in 
hiding. 

He then found the stairs leading to the attic. The door 
being unlocked he started up bolting the door on the inside. 
The stairs ended in a dark loft, but from this, a ladder led to a 
sky light door in the roof. The building being large, the flat 
roof had been used at one time as a play-ground for children 
of for some other purpose, for he noticed w^hat he thought was 
a play house, built against one of the large old-fashioned chim- 
neys, and walking to it he pushed the door open to see if it 
afforded a place where he could hide. Instead of a hiding place, 
he found a man and woman sitting upon a box. He was no more 
surprised than they. The man sprang up and asked, “Phat does 
ye’s want?’’ “I am agent for the man who has bought this 
property, and I served the notices to quit, but I was not hard 
on them. I helped all who had no money to move, and paid 
rent for some, found places for others who could not find places 
for themselves and helped all I could. There were some who 
would not let me help them, and a mob is after me. ” 

“Sure they would not, fur they has independence, and 
they’re the bi’es as hates landlords good or bad,” said the man. 
“How came you to be living up here?” asked the agent. “Be 
dad,” said the man, “you almost said it yourself. I did not have 
the chink to pay rent and I was chucked out on the street, so 
Biddy and meself found this place was not rented, and we mov- 
ed in.” “What work do you do?” asked the agent. “Well I 
use to be porter, for a large firm, but I took a drap too much, 
and they excused me, and since then I have worked o ’nights 
but I think it best for you not to ask me the kind of work.” 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


35 


‘‘You don^t look like a drunken man/’ said the agent. “Sure 
you may say that now, for it is mighty dangerous working 
o ’nights and drinking. I cut out the drink and by the help of 
the Holy Virgin I will never tech the damn stuff again, night 
work or day work.” “How can I get away from here?” asked 
the agent. “Bedads, that is a hard question unless you rest 
here till the mob goes away.” 

Just then Biddy snuffed two or three times and said : “Mike, 
if my nose tells the truth there is a fire below.” Mike started 
up and ran to the door of the sky-light, looked down and cried, 

‘ ‘ Biddy the devils have set the house afire, and all retrate by the 
stair is cut off.” The agent turned pale and going to the wall 
looked over, but found no way of escape. The nearest roof was 
on the easterly side, which was the rear, and this w^as some 
twenty-five feet below. 

“Phat shall we do, Mike?” asked Biddy, and the agent 
asked the same question. “Well,” said Mike, “in my night work 
I often found it necessary to go down a different way from phat 
I went up, so I invinted a sort of rope ladder which I have nam- 
ed ‘help in extremithy’ and I think this may do us, but there 
is one thing I am forced to ax you Mr. Agent, and that is that 
you keep your mouth shut, and if you get out, that you fergit 
that you ever saw Biddy and me.” 

The agent promptly gave his word, and then Mike quickly 
lifted the bunk and took from beneath it a most carefully made 
cord ladder. There was a hook on the inside of the projecting 
wall and to this Mike fastened the ladder by a peculiar knot 
attached to a long small rope w^hich he could pull and untie 
from below. As soon as it was firmly fastened, Mike said 
‘ ‘ Biddy yuls go down first, for its more private like, and decent, 
then you, Mr. Agent, will go down and I’ll go down last, but be 
spry as you can for its mighty dangerous here.” The smoke 
was almost stifling for the flames had eaten through the doors 
and were rushing for the stairs and there was danger that the 
roof might fall at any moment. Biddy, not without much fear 
and trembling, climbed over the wall, and, following orders of 
Mike, kept looking up until her feet touched the lower roof. The 
agent followed but nearly fell from fright, because he looked 
down. Mike saw the trouble and called “Ye blockhead, look up, 
as I told ye, and go down.” Obeying the command, he reached 
the foot of the ladder in safety, but very weak. It took Mike 
but a moment to join the others. He then gave a sharp pull to 
the small cord and down came his ladder, which in a moment 
was rolled or folded up and safely tucked in some loose pocket 
of Biddy’s ample dress. The agent complimented Mike on his 


36 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


ingenuity, but Mike said ‘‘I think you are mistaken, Mr. Agent, 
for I see no ladder or ingenuity” and the agent took the hint. 

It was not hard in the excitement of the fire for them to 
reach the ground. As they were about to separate the agent 
handed Mike a ten dollar bill and said ^ ^ If you want work where 
you can earn good wages come to me, only all night work must 
be given up, for I will employ only honest men.” This was 
such a good offer to Mike that he was profuse in his thanks, and 
promises, and Biddy added ‘‘God bless you and may the Holy 
Virgin keep ye from harm.” 

The fire which protected the agent and drove him and his 
new found friends from the roof, did not show itself on the 
street in front so as to give the alarm for several minutes after 
it had gained headway in the rear top stories. The crowd had 
rushed in as well as it could, but the numbers of the empty 
rooms bewildered them. They searched for some moments but 
not finding the agent, a pile of waste paper in a closet on the 
sixth fioor suggested a way to get full revenge on the agent, and 
the owner of the building at the same time, so a lighted match 
was flung among the rubbish and the crowd rushed for the 
street, thinking to catch the agent when he was smoked out. 

The policemen undertook to conduct Mr. Stoneman to the 
street car and Alma went along, keeping close to the old man, 
for she would not leave him. Just as the cry of fire rang out 
and a call was turned in, they were passing a narrow alley, when 
a burly ruffian sprang out and aimed a blow at Mr. Stoneman, 
but Alma sprang forward in time to interfere with the fellow’s 
last step making him miss hitting Mr. Stoneman more than a 
slanting blow, but it was enough to stagger him and make a 
sore spot. The interference of Alma angered the fellow, and 
he struck her with his open hand, knocking her down, but the 
instant he struck a fist shot over her and the scamp fell like a 
log. This was the signal for a rush of several from the alley. 
Alma was helped up by one of the policemen, while the others 
surrounded Mr. Stoneman and Alma to protect them, as much as 
possible. Among those who had rushed from the alley was a 
stout thick necked fellow, who pushed his way to the front and 
cried “Let me get at that damn upstart.” The others gave back 
and the policeman being busy with those in front, there was 
nothing for the young man who so interfered to do, but meet 
the fellow and protect himself. The ruffian squared off in true 
pugilistic style and struck with his right, but his blow was parti- 
ally parried and a return blow drew blood from the ruffian ’s nose. 
This angered him, for he was a bully well known in these parts 
for his pugilistic encounters. He rushed to grapple the young 
chap who had dared to stand up and draw blood from him be- 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


37 


fore the street, but the young man skillfully avoided his rush 
and struck him with his left by an upper cut on the jaw which 
lifted him from his feet and he fell senseless to the pavement. 
This quieted the attack, and turned the crowd into making 
admiring comments and giving compliments to the skill of the 
boy, who could so quickly put to sleep two of the best men on 
the street. 

Alma recovered quickly, though the side of her face was 
very red and her left eye bloodshot and almost closed. She had 
recognized the young man who had so quickly avenged the insult 
to her as Mr. Hoover, and in her pride and love for him, she 
forgot all pain, suffering and danger, neither did she notice the 
condition of her clothes, but a feeling that she could face any 
danger and make any sacrifice, animated her whole being. The 
patrol wagon and fire engines and all that go with them in a 
large city, were there, and the attention of the mob was diverted 
to other things. Had it not been for this side diversion no one 
can guess what would have been the result that morning. Mr. 
Hoover at once came to Alma’s side, and anxiously asked how 
badly she had been injured, but she made light of it. and said 
that she wanted to get back to her rooms to change her clothes, 
bathe her bruised face, and see how grandma was. She at that 
time did not know the fire was in her block. However she knew 
there was fire somewhere up the street. The policeman conduct- 
ed Mr. Stoneman to the car and he was soon safely at home. 

Mr. Hoover and Alma turned back, to go to her home, and then 
for the first time saw that the engines were playing on the block 
where she lived. The crowd was so dense that they could make 
little progress, but a fear for her dear old grandmother gave her 
courage and energy, and she pushed and crowded with Mr. 
Hoover’s help, until stopped by the rope and police. She asked 
all she met as to her grandmother but the policeman knew 
nothing nor would he permit her to go into the building. Her 
anxiety was intense, and Mr. Hoover tried to get inside that he 
might investigate, but he too, was refused, and turned back. 
Just then a boy of fourteen, ragged and dirty, but good natured, 
pulled Alma by the sleeve and said Granny is by us” and he 
led the way across the street into a narrow lane, and to the third 
floor of a miserable tenement, too dilapidated to rent to any 
one but the poorest, and then only those who preferred such sur- 
roundings. The tenement however, made no difference to Alma, 
and the greeting between the old lady and young girl was as 
tender and affectionate, as it could possibly have been if a pal- 
ace had been their place of meeting. 


38 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


CHAPTER V. 

Mr. Stoneman was very nervous and much exhausted when 
he reached home, and his physician was at once summoned. A 
light tonic and rest, so restored him that after lunch he sent to 
learn what had become of the agent, and if he was able to come, 
to have him called. The agent came, but he very carefully 
omitted all mention of the exciting method of his escape^ simply 
saying he went out the back way and so avoided the mob. Mr. 
Stoneman asked in particular if he knew what became of Miss 
Morris, but the agent could give no information, and Mr. Stone- 
man said: ‘^You heard what I said to Mrs. Barlow about living 
in my vacant house at Montclair, and as we want to begin pull- 
ing down that building which is now in ruins, and as I think 
the fire made their rooms untenable, they would better move to 
Montclair at once, and I wish you to find them and have them 
taken to their new home. I will telephone the servants in 
charge, to have all put in readiness, and if their clothes have 
been burned or spoiled, get them whatever they need. Then I 
wish you would find out how the young lady is, for I think she 
was badly injured. Twice at the risk of her own life she pro- 
tected me from serious injury, if not worse, and she and her 
grandmother must not be neglected.’’ 

The agent went to his office and there found Mike Flan- 
nigan. Mike said ‘^Mr. Brown I’d be talking to y’s alone” and 
Brown led the way to his private office. As soon as the door was 
shut Mike said ^^Mr. Brown I’m not the Mike Flannigan you 
met this morning. I’ve been to the Prast and made things all 
right, and from this time on Mike Flannigan is an honest man. 
But the Mike Flannigan as was, the one you first met, may be 
did some things not just right, and he left in my hands some 
bits of paste-board, that the Prast said I should give to the 
police, and from what I told him of y’s he thought you might 
find them on your table and forget as to how they came there.'” 
With that Mike placed on the desk a package and turned to go, 
but Brown called him back. ^‘Mike. what are you going to do?” 
^ ‘ Sure I can tell you better what I haint going to do, ’ ’ answered 
Mike. ^‘Well. I want you to help me for a day or two and maybe 
longer. I am to help a family move, and some things are to be 
done that require skill which I think you have, so if you are 
not engaged you can begin at once.” ‘^All right” said Mike 
^^I am ready for work.” Mr. Brown shoved the package of 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


39 


pawn tickets into the drawer and locked it, and taking Mike as 
a protection, started to look up Mrs. Barlow and her grand- 
daughter. The crowd which had filled the streets in the morn- 
ing, had melted back into the city’s mass, and the mob spirit 
had died as quickly as it had been born. Human beings are 
the strangest creatures of the Almighty’s making, and the ex- 
tremes of contradiction in humanity have ever been a puzzle to 
the students of sociology. One can see that these contradictions 
exist, if he will take note of his own impulses and actions. This 
shows the necessity of a Redeemer, and that man is divine. 

They found the fire had been confined to the two upper 
stories and the roof, but the water had drenched the rooms 
below, and a more dreary place to live in could hardly be im- 
agined. When they reached Suite 24 they found Alma, her 
grandmother and Mr. Hoover, trying to bring some order out 
of the wetness that was nearly everywhere. Mr. Hoover was 
trying to start a fire with wet kindling, and the women were 
shaking and spreading out wet things to dry. Fortunately 
the piano and their best furniture and clothing were in a room 
not much flooded by water. The agent soon told his mission, and 
instructions, and the prospect of exchanging these disheartening 
surroundings for a good, comfortable home was too much for Al- 
ma, and she threw her arms around her grandmother’s neck, 
saying ^'Had we not better accept this?” Her grandmother 
answered see no reason why we should not, my dear, 
under the present situation.” Alma’s face was bandaged 
to keep the swelling down and take out the soreness. She had 
been brave to endure the insult and injury, and these brought 
no tears, but this kindness and unexpected good fortune were 
too much and she wept. But soon she looked up smiling and 
thanked the agent, and through him Mr. Stoneman. 

The grandmother asked if the old gentleman got away safely. 
When informed that he did, Alma exclaimed am so glad!” 
Mr. Brown and Mr. Hoover promised to see all things properly 
dried, packed and shipped to Montclair, and Mike was left 
to attend to the drying and packing, which he thorougly under- 
stood. There were many things they did not want to keep, and 
some were sold and the rest given to the good German woman 
who had so kindly taken care of Mrs. Barlow. It was indeed 
a change, from the slum district of New York to the beauty and 
quiet of refined Montclair. 

The house was not new but it had been refitted, moder- 
nized and furnished with all the conveniences known to modern 
housekeeping. It was large, having much more room than these 
two could occupy or use, but there was such an air of old-fash- 
ion ed-homyness about the place, that the women were delighted. 


40 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


They found a good supper ready and waiting for them, and the 
maid in charge said she had received orders from Mr. Stoneman 
to look after the house and purchase all things needed, under 
the instructions of the ladies. Mrs. Barlow was cautious and 
asked ‘‘How much wages must we pay jouV^ “Oh you donT 
pay me ; I am paid by the year and my check comes each quar- 
ter. This was rather disquieting to the ladies, but they found 
everything needed at hand and when the piano was in place and 
Alma poured out her thanks in music, Mrs. Barlow was satisfied 
and happy. 

Mr. Stoneman recovered quickly from his nervousness 
after his trip to the slums, but he had no desire to make another 
visit. His name had not been in the papers for the last few 
months to any extent, but this incident started the reporters, 
and exaggerated stories were published, with grotesque and in- 
deed libelous cartoons and false reasons for Mr. Stoneman being 
in that part of New York. One paper said he went there to 
hunt up and help a poor widow of an old friend. They obtained 
the names of Mrs. Barlow and Miss Mbrris, and Miss Morris was 
pictured as a beautiful Amazon knocking the rough fellows right 
and left, but by good fortune they could not trace Mrs. Barlow 
and Alma to their new home, nor could they obtain their pic- 
tures though the artists pretended to print them. The fact that 
someone had ordered the building vacated and torn away was 
known, but no one mentioned Mr. Stoneman as connected there- 
with. The reason for this w^as largely because no one could 
believe so shrewd a business man as Mr. Stoneman, would place 
his money in any building which promised so poor return. 

The third day after Alma and her grandmother reached 
their new home the telephone rang, and when Alma answered, 
Mr. Stoneman himself was on the line. He asked her how they 
found things, if they were comfortable, and as to the health of 
both, and if Miss Morris had recovered from the injuries she 
had received in protecting him. He then asked if Miss Morris 
would call on him the next day at eleven A. M. and take lunch 
with him, but he was careful to tell her it was purely a business 
matter he wanted to talk over. Alma consulted her grandmother 
and then promised to come, and promptly at the hour she was 
admitted to his study. 

He received her in a friendly, but strictly business manner 
and came at once to what he had in mind. “Who was that 
young man who knocked the fellow down when he struck you?^^ 
he asked. Alma’s face flushed scarlet, but she answered “That 
was Mr. James J. Hoover, a friend of ours.” “Is he the young 
man your grandmother said had lost his place?” “Yes,” she 
answered and Mr. Stoneman ’s face lit up with a smile. “That 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


41 


was a brave and noble thing he did, and then he did it so nicely. 
It seemed so easy for him to parry the blows of those rough men 
and then to knock them over, that I too wanted to help him, 
only I knew I was too old for such deeds, in fact, I never had 
a fight like that in my life, and I do not want one. I think Mr. 
Hoover must have practised boxing, and been trained to* use his 
fists or he could not have done so well. Why, he almost laughed 
when he was knocking them over. I am sure your Mr. Hoover 
and the policemen, with your help, saved my life. It was the 
business of the policemen, but you and Mr. Hoover did it out 
of kindness to an old man, and I thank you. I don^t want you 
to think I am not thankful to the policemen, for I am and shall 
not forget them, only they are paid for that kind of work. I 
have not forgotten that you twice risked being hurt or killed 
to save me.^^ 

''Oh, I did nothing,'’ said Alma, "but I was proud of Mr. 
Hoover, for he is too kind hearted to injure anything, unless it 
is necessary. He belonged to the athletic teams in college, 
but I never knew he had such skill in boxing as that.” 

Lunch was announced and Alma and Mr. Stoneman sat at 
a small table alone and ate a good, but plain lunch. After lunch 
they returned to the library and Mr. Stoneman said : " I told you 
I wanted a partner and this is the business. I am rich, how rich I 
do not know but I have far more than I can use for myself or 
relatives, and I want some of it to help the poor and needy of 
New York. Of course the newspapers know just how rich I am, 
and just how stingy I am, and all that, but they do not know 
what I now tell you and I do not care to have them told. I 
cannot do as I could if I was young. When I was young I did 
not see duty as I now see it. Now I want to use all my income 
and maybe part of the principal in doing good to my fellowmen, 
but I find it very hard to give away money, and not do more 
harm than good. I think this is harder work than to make 
money, at least I find it that way. You have in this the advant- 
age to me. You are young. You know many personally who are 
poor and needy. You understand them and can sift the truth 
from the false. This fits you to be my partner in helping those 
who need help. You cannot do all the work personally but you 
can work through others. There are the Deaconesses, the 
Salvation Army girls, the Sisters of Charity, and others who 
can and will help you in this. I will furinsh the money, and 
you the labor and skill, to use it wisely for the good of those 
needing help, and in this way, working together, we can obey 
the commands of Christ. I will furnish all the money you can 
invest in this business, and you need not fret because you make 
a mistake now and then. No human skill can help some mis- 


42 


THE CONVERSION OP JOHN STONEMAN 


takes, and I shall certainly not find fault if you do. You are not 
rich and cannot afford to spend your time and skill in this work 
for nothing, and I wouldn’t permit you to. What will you 
ask the Company per month to take charge of this work?” 

Alma was greatly embarrassed. She knew something of the tax- 
ing nature and magnitude of the proposed work. The proposition 
was so unexpected, the opportunity for doing good so magnificent, 
she could hardly believe the offer true. She thought of more 
than twenty families who needed help, and her mind had taken 
in all the quarter where she had lived, and other places as well. 
When ‘he asked her what pay she wanted she felt humiliated, 
because it seemed to her that if Mr. Stoneman furnished the 
money, she ought to do the work. She looked into the face of 
Mr. Stoneman and said: don’t want any pay. I shall he so 

happy in taking your help to the needy women and children 
that I shall receive from this pay enough.” 

'^No! No!” said Mr. Stoneman will not feel right if 
you are not paid, and paid well and I will take the liberty of 
fixing your salary. You and your grandmother will occupy the 
home you are now in and the servants who are employed by 
the year will stay there, do the work, and attend to furnishing 
the tables. This will be very necessary in order to relieve you, 
for Mrs. Barlow cannot stay there alone and you cannot have 
the time to do more than give general orders. You and Mrs. 
Barlow will see that the house and grounds are well taken care 
of and I have put you on the list for $100.00 per month which 
you will receive by check each month.” 

^^Oh! Mr. Stoneman you are too good and I am sure all I 
have read in the papers about you is untrue ’ ’ said Alma. ^ ' No ” 
said Mr. Stoneman, ‘ ^ all that was said was not true but I am sorry 
to say that some was. Now I see duty in a very different light 
from what I used to, for the good Lord has opened my eyes or 
has caused the scales to fall from them, as he did from the eyes 
of Saul of Tarsus, and I care more now to do good, than to make 
money, though the old habit of seeing how to make money often 
returns. ’ ’ 

Alma had a tender impulsive nature, and she rose and went 
quickly to Mr. Stoneman, threw her arms about his neck and 
kissed him sobbing as though her heart would break. Mr. Stone- 
man was too well skilled in human nature to, in the slightest 
degree, misinterpret this sudden impulsive move and he said to 
her ^‘From this time you are to be my adopted daughter, and 
I will be to you a father from this day.” Alma stood up and 
said : ^ ^ My father has been dead so long that I cannot remember 
much about him, but I have often thought of him and imagined 
that had he lived he would have been rich and that he would 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


43 


do good things just as you do, and I could not help doing what 
I did, for it was really like my own father I had pictured. ’ ’ ^ ‘ I 
think you did exactly right and now I know you can be trusted, 
and that we will be good partners and good friends. I shall 
want a weekly report sent to my office on Broadway, marked 
personal or private. This report will not be much trouble to 
make out, for blanks will be furnished and so arranged that you 
will need to write but little. These reports will all be filed and 
tabulated for future reference.^’ 

Alma thought for a moment and then said: ‘‘It won’t 
be safe for me to carry much money into those places where 
misery, sickness and want are to be found, that is, not much at 
a time, and I think I can do better work to join some deaconess 
organization and dress as they do.” 

“That is all right,” said Mr. Stoneman, “and I will send 
you an order to-morrow so you can draw what money you need 
and do not be afraid of using too much if there are good places 
to invest it. You would better draw about $200.00 at a time. 

“Why, Mr. Stoneman, I cannot use that much” she said. 
“Well, use all that you think necessary, and experience will tell 
you how much you can use.” 

As Alma was starting home, Mr. Stoneman said: “Can you 
send Mr. Hoover to me?” “Yes I think I can” she answered, 
and he asked her to have him call the next day at ten A. M. All 
the way home her head was in a whirl. She hardly noticed the 
other passengers, and was surprised upon alighting at Montclair 
to see Mr. Hoover also step off. He had noticed her, but he had 
seen her abstraction, and knew something out of the ordinary 
had taken place, so he did not disturb her, thinking he might 
solve the mystery by waiting. As soon as the first greetings 
were over and they had started to walk to her home Alma said : 
“James, what do you think? Mr. Stoneman wants to see you at 
10 o’clock tomorrow morning.” 

“Mr. Stoneman wants to see me? How comes Mr. Stoneman 
to want me? Has my little girl been trying to get me back into 
the office?” “No indeed” was her answer, “but I would if I 
could.” “He asked who it was that knocked those bad men 
down, and I was proud to tell him it was James Hoover.” Mr. 
Hoover laughed, and love and undoubting faith shone in his 
face. 

After Alma had greeted her grandmother and laid aside 
her hat, she told all that had taken place. The old lady wiped 
the tears from her eyes and said : ‘ ‘ Truly my daughter, we have 
much to be thankful for and maybe he was not as bad as your 
grandpa and father thought, and I surely want to think kindly 


44 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


of him, and thank him and the good Lord for the happy fortune 
which has changed our prospects, and our place and way of liv- 
ing. I do hope you can do much good to those poor and degrad- 
ed folk around where we lived. This gives me more pleasure 
than anything else. It may be Mr. Stoneman has changed, and 
that God in his wisdom and goodness, has forgiven him and 
brought him to a state of mind that will help more than he has 
done injury. Surely we can forgive if God has, and I certainly 
shall pray that Mr. Stoneman may have health and strength to 
use his vast wealth to help the world. 

‘‘Well, Grandma,’’ said Alma, “I am sure from the way he 
talked, and from what he is wanting to have done, that if he 
ever was bad to grandpa and my father he is now sorry, and I 
am certain if they were living and knew what we do, they too 
would forgive him.” “Yes my dear” said Mrs. Barlow “and I 
am glad that I have been permitted to live long enough to have 
the bitterness of past years of suffering taken out of my heart.” 
The hopes and ambitions that sprang to life in that home that 
evening were many, and could Mr. Stoneman have looked 
into that parlor and heard the words w^hich only faintly express- 
ed the hopes within, he would have felt the keenest joy a mortal 
can know, the bliss of doing for others. 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


45 


CHAPTER VI. 

The next day Mr. Hoover called upon Mr. Stoneman and 
was very kindly received. He was complimented and thanked 
for his timely help, when the mob sought vengeance, but Mr. 
Hoover disclaimed having done anything worthy of thanks. He 
said he did not know who Mr. Stoneman was at that time, but 
that had he known, it would have made no difference, for he 
should have felt it his duty to have helped anyone in the same 
trouble, and he laughingly said it gave him a chance for real 
practice, something he had not had since leaving college. Mr. 
Stoneman in his quiet business way questioned him as to the 
church he attended, his family, college life, what he liked and 
disliked in the way of business, but as to the last Mr. Hoover 
said that while his tastes, education and natural bent might 
make him want to follow an active business course, still he would 
do any kind of honorable work which might be offered, for he 
needed the money, and could not afford or endure to be idle. Mr. 
Stoneman asked a few more questions and Mr. Hoover was much 
taken at the skill he showed in learning all about one, and yet 
carrying on a general conversation. Mr. Stoneman wasted no 
time or strength on anything but important points. The exami- 
nation satisfied him, for he changed the line of talk and said: 
^^Mr. Hoover, I have very much hard work on my hands, and I 
want help, that I can trust, and that will be efficient, and such 
help is hard to find. There are many who would do well if they 
could keep things to themselves, but they simply cannot, and I 
have no use for one who talks of my business or tells anything 
about it or me. I think you know how to govern your tongue, 
and I shall be glad to employ you, if the work is such as you 
feel you can manage with success.’’ 

Mr. Hoover was on his guard, for the suggestion keeping 
things to huuself,” sounded as though the work might be of that 
doubtful nature he had seen something of, and heard more, in 
connection with the oil company. He said however, shall be 
glad of any honorable employment but I must tell you that T 
was discharged from the Combined Exporting Oil Company, 
and I understood you are interested in that Company.” ‘^Do 
you know why you were discharged?” said Mr. Stoneman. 
refused to do certain dirty work the manager told me to and was 
discharged, and I find it hard to get a position for my name is 


46 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


on their ''black list'' and notices of my discharge have been sent 
to all the large and important firms in New York." 

"Do yon think the one employed should question or object 
to doing anything his employer orders?" "No, unless what is 
demanded is beyond what an employer has the right to ask. As 
I see things the employer buys the time and skill and strength 
of the employed, for specific purposes and within the scope of 
these purposes and limits, strict obedience should be given to all 
orders. When one employs another, there is never implied in 
the contract any agreement to obey a command of the employer 
to do wicked, or debasing work, or anything that will reflect 
upon the honor, or character of the employed. When such de- 
mands are made the employed has a right to, and I think he 
should, refuse, even though he is discharged and is made to suf- 
fer. I will work for my board on a farm, or shovel on the street, 
before I will submit to such degradation of my manhood." 

He spoke in tone and manner as though he expected Mr. 
Stoneman to tell him to go, but he was not told to go, and Mr. 
Stoneman was not the least displeased. In fact had Mr. Hoover 
not been so taken up with the wrongs he had suffered, he would 
have noticed a pleased expression on Mr. Stoneman 's face and 
a twinkle in his eye. After a moment's silence Mr. Stoneman 
said: "I think we will get along all right. The time was when 
I might have taken exception to your views, but I was in the 
wrong, and now let us come to business. I am building and get- 
ting ready to build a number of tenement houses for the purpose 
of making life better for some of the poor in our large cities. The 
buildings are all on the same general plan, but of course they 
are varied so as to meet the peculiar needs of each location. At 
present there are four buildings in Cleveland, six in New York, 
just starting, and I am planning for as many in Boston, Phila- 
delphia, and Pittsburgh, and I want if I can to do the same 
thing in many other cities of this country. Of course this will 
depend largely upon whether I find what I am doing is for the 
best, both for the poor and the public. Those already planned, 
including the grounds, will cost about five millions and may 
reach six. They are all to be fire proof, not a foot of w^ood or 
other combustible material is to be used in any of these build- 
ings. The doors, window frames, sash and all casings are to be 
of the new metal "allumica. " This is light and all parts are 
made of it. It is not possible for me to oversee or keep track of 
the way these structures are put up. I think I have a good 
corps of architects and superintendents, and have employed the 
best and most responsible builders I could find, but I want to 
know, from an entirely different party not in any way connected 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


47 


with the work, just how things are being done, and if there is 
anything wrong I want to know it, for I want these buildings to 
serve as patterns for others to follow in the line of Charity. I 
know there is much in- example. I want you to be my eyes and 
ears, to go from one building to another and from one city to 
another, quietly picking up information wherever you can and 
report to me each day, or as often as you can. There is little at 
present to be seen, or, in fact for several weeks, and I think 
I will send you first to look over the needs of St. Paul, Minnea- 
polis, Denver, and San Francisco, but let us talk of your salary 
for a moment. 

‘^How much do you want per month t’’ The nature and magni- 
tude of the work nearly took away Mr. Hoover ^s breath, but he 
answered ‘‘Do you think I can do this work satisfactorily to 
you, Mr. Stoneman?^’ He answered: “Mr. Hoover, if one 
grasps a piece of work mentally, so as to compose its ups and 
downs, its good, bad, pleasant and unpleasant features, and 
then from his inmost being says, ‘I can do it,^ he will not fail.’’ 
To this Mr. Hoover answered: “If hard work, honest and ear- 
nest application and a courage to undertake anything almost, 
can bring success and satisfaction, I shall succeed. I shall give 
to your service all these and will let you fix the compensation 
after you have seen what I can do.” 

“Very well” said Mr. Stoneman, “you can begin on Mon- 
day next. You will receive full instructions with a check for 
your expenses, and until we see how you get along you will be 
paid at the rate of $150.00 per month.” As this was more than 
Mr. Hoover had ever before been paid he was delighted, and 
thanked Mr. Stoneman very earnestly and bade him good day 
with a light heart. 

He went at once to Montclair to report his good fortune to 
Alma, who rejoiced greatly, though saddened by the thought 
of separation for so long a time as a trip to California might 
imply. The sudden change in the prospects of each, with the 
picture of future happiness which hope presented, helped the 
young people to build many castles, and as usual there was 
“shown every rose while the thorns were concealed.” They 
agreed to open a joint bank account and as they would have 
few personal wants or expenses, the larger part of both their 
earnings could be deposited. 


48 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


CHAPTER VII. 

The time for the stockholders^ meeting of the New York 
and Panama Steamship Company was near, and as Mr. Stone- 
man knew he held the controlling stock, he gave careful and 
prayerful thought to the business of the Company. He did 
not consult with anyone. His business instincts told him how 
money could be made, and large dividends paid, but he de- 
/termined, however tempting the prospects of money-making 
might be, these should in no way overpower honest, fair meth- 
ods, and that only plans that were honorable and just, should 
be followed. He knew there was not another line that could 
compete with this, if the possible advantage of influence and 
money were brought into play, and it was no easy matter for 
him to overcome the habit of years and say, ‘ ' All must be honest 
and fair and no advantage taken. This Company would have 
superior advantages, larger tonnage, better and swifter boats, 
and if friendly treatment should be extended to foregin traders, 
large profits would follow. He looked upon the large subsidy 
which this company would realize from the United States gov- 
ernment, as a just inducement for investing capital in com- 
merce upon the high seas. Much credit should be given to Mr. 
Stoneman, for a more tempting offer to realize from rebates 
and unfair advantages could hardly be imagined. He took 
some time in considering this matter, for others were interested 
and had rights. He saw how a practical control of all foreign 
shipping could be obtained by buying up, or crushing out, by 
fair means or foul, all who refused to submit; but while he saw 
all this could be done, he found he had no real desire to do it, 
and he gave a heartfelt prayer of thanks to the Almighty for 
having given him the victory over himself. 

That afternoon he sent an invitation to the directors of the 
Steamship Company, asking them to meet him at eleven o’clock 
the next forenoon, and strange to say the full board of fifteen, 
save two who were in Europe, were present at the hour named. 
They were received by ]\flr. Stoneman in his kind and friendly 
way, which put all at ease, and when seated Mr. Stoneman 
said: ‘‘Gentlemen, you are all, I believe, personally and offi- 
cially interested in the New York and Panama Steamship Com- 
pany, and as I am now also deeply interested, and am too old to 
attend Director’s meetings, I thought it well that we talk the 
matter over, so that at the stockholders’ meeting there might be 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAiN 


49 


no discord, and only one ticket voted. This has always been my 
way of doing, and I have found it to work well in a majority of 
cases. I shall be glad if the President will give a short state- 
ment of the present condition of the Company’s business.” 

The President said: am sure the Board is pleased at 

the interest you are taking in the Company, for it makes suc- 
cess almost certain. Personally, but I believe I express the feel- 
ings of the Board, I thank you for inviting us to meet you here. 
The first five boats will be ready to take cargoes within a week, 
and we have already booked all the passengers and freights 
these can carry. The other boats will not be ready under sixty 
days, and it may take longer, for there is some talk of a strike. 
Each boat is fitted to take passengers as well as freight, and 
each is provided with all the modern improvements, and, as 1 
said, a full passenger list is booked. So far as hard work and 
skill can make these boats safe, they are fire-proof, and the 
cargo is to be so stowed in air tight and water tight compart- 
ments that the freight in any compartment taking fire, can at 
most, only burn out that room. As each room can be made 
air tight a fire can be handled should it ever start, as it is found 
more safe and more successful to smother a fire than to put it 
out with water or fire extinguishers. Our prices for passengers 
and freight are such that large returns must result, though we 
are not above the usual figures. We have the advantage in the 
large volume of business each boat carries, and this reduces the 
cost of transportation per ton, and thus increases our profits 
to nearly twice what is usually realized. We have a large invest- 
ment, but the per cent of profits will be very large. There are 
some other advantages coming our way, which other companies 
can not get. The subsidy on our tonnage will be very large 
compared with the expenses. Then it has been hinted to me, 
that because of the large amount of freight we shall carry, we 
may get rebates or something in the nature of rebates, in pass- 
ing through the canal, but I do not know just how this is to be 
done, nor how much this will net the Company.” 

The President ceased speaking and Mr. Stoneman hesitated 
for a moment, and then said: There will be no special favors 
to this Company in passing through the canal, at least, not any 
save such as are given other lines, and there is no good reason 
why there should be. I learned to-day that the Governor of 
the canal had been removed by the President and a Mr. Mar- 
shall appointed in his place.” 

‘^What’s that! J. B. McCormick removed and T. J. Mar- 
shall appointed?” asked one of the directors, named Henry Up- 
ham. ^Wes” answered Mr. Stoneman. would be glad to 

4 


50 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEM'AN 


know who has turned traitor’^ said Upham. am certain no 
one but Mr. McCormick and I knew anything of the terms of 
this agreement, and he was to make too much out of it to say a 
word. I have said nothing, only I hinted, as the President said, 
that this company might have some advantages because of its 
large tonnage, but I do not believe he told even this much. This 
is a hard blow, for if McCormick had remained, this company 
would have made at the canal alone, or I should say, have saved 
at the canal alone $500,000 a year. We were to get a discount 
on tonnage of 33^^%, and you can figure what that would save 
in tolls, while the amount going to McCormick would have been 
very reasonable. It was one of the best tricks I ever played. 

After this short speech there was silence, for it was evident 
this was news to nearly all the directors, and that most of them 
did not like that way of making money. Mr. Stoneman was the 
first to break the silence, which was becoming embarrassing. ‘ ‘ The 
obtaining of special advantages in passing through the canal 
by this company, or any other, is at an end, as long as T. W. 
Marshall is Governor. This brings up the real question I want 
to present, and that is, what is to be the policy of this company ? 
Is it to be ^ Make money honestly if you can, but if not honest- 
ly make money any way?’ or ^Make money honestly or not at 
all?’ As with a man, so with partnerships or corporations, 
the character formed at the start, holds good through its exis- 
tence, unless some radical change takes place. A corporation 
soulless, cannot, like a man, be converted by divine power. 
The only way a corporation’s character can be changed, is by 
changing the kind of directors. Now what shall be the charac- 
ter stamped upon the business of this corporation?” The Pres- 
ident, a leading member of the Presbyterian church said : ‘ ^ For 
one I want only the most strict honesty exercised in conducting 
the business of the Company.” To this most of the directors 
gave assent. But Mr. Upham was angry, and in a tone of voice 
showing deep feeling he said: ‘‘Mr. Stoneman, I do not see 
what you are driving at. This company was organized to make 
money, and to make big money too, and to make it in all the 
ways other large companies and men make money. I have 
never heard the question of honesty or dishonesty discussed in 
a Board of Directors’ meeting before, and I have been in many 
board meetings in which you were interested and at some you 
were present. I am greatly puzzled to know how you came to 
bring this question up at this time, for I am sure that you and 
my father never stopped to question whether the plan was hon- 
est or dishonest, the only question being. Would it pay, and if it 
would, were there any serious legal objections? If there was a 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


51 


legal objection the question then was, How can we make the 
money and keep out of the law? If anything came to the sur- 
face, could it be hushed up by money or influence? These were 
the questions discussed, and surely no one can say that we 
were not successful. How is it that you now care so much how 
money is made, so long as it is made?^’ 

Mr. Stoneman^s face, smooth shaven, flushed, but he an- 
swered in a calm voice: ‘‘The question Mr. Upham asks is very 
proper, though his tone and manner are hardly friendly. I do 
not wonder he thinks this strange of me, and I admit that I 
have changed my views. I have been called ‘money mad^ 
which was not far from correct, for I let the lust for money- 
make blind my conscience, so that I did not see that my 
Heavenly Father had given me the faculty to accumulate mon- 
ey to be used to help my fellowmen, and in the making and us- 
ing of money to be an example to make the world better. I 
have not done as I should in the past, and I am indeed thankful 
that I have been enlightened before it was too late. I now in- 
tend to carry into practical business the teachings of Christ, 
and so far as possible to redeem the past. This corporation is» 
to be a large enterprise. It will exert a mighty power for good 
or evil, and now is the time to determine which it shall be.^^ 
“Do you want to make this company a missionary society?’’ 
asked Mr. Upham. “No and Yes” answered Mr. Stoneman. 

“I would have the business of this company conducted in 
the spirit and according to the teachings of Christ, so that into 
whatever parts of distant countries our boats come, those who 
live there and with whom we do business, will know the boats 
and men are from a Christian country and are to be trusted. 
I know full well that the commerce of the world has, in most 
instances, been conducted upon an entirely different basis, and 
without any reference to the question of morals. Some things 
ought to be changed. I would not take as freight in any of the 
company boats, anything which could damage, injure or de- 
grade. Nor would I have any partiality shown to any church 
or sect. 

“If our company will do business on this plan, this of it- 
self will help wonderfully to spread the gospel of Christ, and 
advance civilization in the East and also in New York, where 
we all know it is greatly needed. I firmly believe, in the end, 
dividends on this stock under this plan will be larger than to 
follow any other course. I shall be glad to hear the views of 
the Board upon this subject.” A member promptly moved 
the adoption of the following resolution : ‘ ‘ Resolved : It is the 
express purpose of this Board that all business of this company 


52 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


be conducted in a strictly honest way and on strict business 
principles; that no freight be taken which can injure or dam- 
age the people to whom it is shipped, and, that no undue or dis- 
honorable advantage shall be taken of any competitor.’’ This 
was seconded by several, and the President called for remarks. 

Mr. Upham was pale, and with suppressed feeling said: 
do not want any one to think that I believe in dishonesty, 
but I do not believe a large business can be successfully man- 
aged on the principles laid down by Mr. Stoneman and em- 
bodied in this resolution. I consider such talk and this resolu- 
tion fanatical, and for one will not pledge my acts as Director 
of this company, or any other, to anything of the sort. I put 
into this Company one quarter of a million as an investment, 
and I have had more pride in seeing this Company successful 
than any of the many I am connected with. I want to see this 
company take away from foreign bottoms, American shipping, 
and have the commerce of the United States carried in Ameri- 
can ships. If these Puritanical ideas are to govern, I want to 
step down and out and my stock will be for sale, if this resolu- 
tion is adopted.” 

No other remarks were made, but when the motion was 
put all voted ‘‘aye” save Mr. Upham, who voted “No.” Mr. 
Stoneman said: “As the Board is now composed of good men 
who understand the needs of the company and are practically 
a unit as to the method of conducting business, I see no reason 
for changes, but there is one vacancy on the Board which I will 
be glad to fill, and will suggest a name if that is agreeable to 
the members of the Board.” They expressed their willingness 
to elect any party who was nominated by Mr. Stoneman, and 
several offered to resign and let him fill their places, but this 
he declined to do, saying that he had the names of the present 
board, and had learned that one had died duriner the year, 
which left a vacancy, and for this place he would suggest a 
name, and would give his proxy to this party, and he will be 
present and vote but there would be no contest. 

Mr. Upham asked: “Will you tell us who this party is?” 
“Oh certainly” said Mr. Stoneman, “the party I shall nomi- 
nate is a young m.an now in my employ named James J. Hoo- 
ver.” “Is that the Jim Hoover who vforked for the oil com- 
pany?” “Yes” said Mr. Stoneman “but I think he told me he 
had been discharged.” “And you, knowing he had been dis- 
charged from our company, hired him?” “Yes, Mr. Upham,” 
answered Mr. Stoneman. “Then that is another good reason 
why I cannot serve on this board longer. I discharged that fel- 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


53 


low because he did not do what I told him, and I cannot serve 
on a board of which Jim Hoover is a member/^ 

The president asked: ^Hs he a bad man or had he bad 
habits r’ '‘Oh, no,^’ said Mr. Upham, "he is smart enough, 
had a college education, and I believe is strictly honest but he 
let his conscience interfere with obedience to an order I gave, 
and I bounced him.’^ 

Mr. Stoneman said : " I am sorry Mr. Upham, that you feel 
and see things as you do, for your father and I were in many 
deals and had little trouble, but if you want to sell your stock, 
what will you take?’’ Mr. Upham answered: "I paid $250,000 
cold cash and ought to get that back, but this is more than the 
market value today, and I will take the market price, which is 
seventy-five cents.” Mr. Stoneman answered: "In a way Mr. 
Upham, I feel that I am forcing you out of this company, but 
I certainly had no such thought. I do not want your stock, but 
if you feel that you cannot stay in the company and work in 
harmony with the other members of the board, I will buy your 
stock, and believing, as I do, that the stock will be at a premium 
inside of one year, I will give you par, so you will only lose the 
interest.” Mr. Upham answered: "Mr. Stoneman, I now be- 
lieve you really have religion, and that there is such a thing as 
true religion. But that won’t work when you come to making 
big money. You know very well, Mr. Stoneman, that you and 
my father never questioned as to the right or the wrong of a 
transaction, and I cannot understand why you have so changed. 
You can have my stock and I shall only take the market price, 
and if the stock goes to par in one year, you may pay me the 
balance. Where shall I send the stock?” 

Mr. Stoneman was much moved, and said: "My dear young 
man, for, compared with me you are young, you say you be- 
lieve there is such a thing as true religion and I pray God that 
you who can do so much good, may find it, and that the princi- 
ples of Christ may enter into all you do. I am certain business 
can be done and all necessary money made, by following Christ ’s 
teachings. You, better than most of these directors, know that 
while I have heretofore professed to believe in this true religion, 
and really deceived myself into believing I was living it, that I 
was, in fact, but a hypocrite and you saw far better than I, how 
my practice disagreed with my professed faith. But I now see 
the error and am trying to be true to my God and subdue my 
passion for money-making. I did not expect to talk like this 
when I called you here, but I trust we understand each other 
better, and that we shall in truth be better friends. You can 
send the stock to my office, and I will have a check there for you 


54 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


at eleven o’clock to-morrow. Mr. Upham took formal and 
friendly leave of the other members of the board, and then 
turned to Mr. Stoneman and said: have always looked to you 

as my example of a successful business man, and so far as I 
could, I have copied after you and father, and I have been fair- 
ly successful, but now you seem to have changed. If this change 
is true and honest, I respect and honor you for sacrificing busi- 
ness for what you call the right way, however unwise as a bus- 
iness move this may be, and I bid you good-bye without any 
feeling of enmity and trust we shall always meet as friends.” 

Mr. Stoneman answered: ‘‘You cannot tell, Mr. Upham, 
how much I regret that you, and many others, I fear, have fol- 
lowed my bad example in money-making, but I hope in some de- 
gree to counteract this, and my earnest wish is that you, too, 
may see that I was then wrong but am now on the right road. 
My poor prayers shall be that God may give you light.” 

After Mr. Upham left, Mr. Stoneman, in a sad and 
somewhat trembling voice said: “You can see in Mr. Upham 
how one’s example for good or ill is followed, and how careful 
one should be to always do the right.” Mr. Stoneman was much 
exhausted and worn by the few weeks in which he had been do- 
ing his best to improve matters, and his physician ordered that 
all business be dropped. 

He had found the problem of investing money wisely to 
help his fellowmen demanded deep and prayerful study, and 
his active business mind while not neglecting small matters still 
took in large plans and followed them to their end. It was no 
easy matter to call off the mental processes from their life-long 
habit of money-making, and to get them to investing money to 
bring the largest returns in helpfulness to others. To change 
enwrapped selfish ambition to make money and pile up wealth, 
to true Christian altruism, is not an easy task, and that it can 
be done, is proof of Christ’s power over the human heart. Mr. 
Stoneman became convinced that he could not get needed rest 
in New York, and he quietly slipped off to Montclair, and sur- 
prised Alma and Mrs. Barlow by his presence, and a request to 
rest there a few days. This was gladly granted, for the house 
had many rooms, well furnished, and there was one on the 
ground floor, unused, just suited to his necessities. Here he 
rested, recuperated, and enjoyed himself, for Mrs. Barlow was 
a woman of fine education, extensive reading and a good con- 
versationalist, while Alma had enough of interest from each 
day’s experience in helping the needy. Her reports were quite 
a surprise to Mr. Stoneman, for they showed that the worthy 
destitute and indigent were comparatively few, when the large 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


55 


number of those dwelling in the bad, dark parts of the city 
were taken into account. She showed that the most good was 
to be brought about by helping some who were badly in debt, 
which if paid, would enable the parties to live comfortably on 
their weekly earnings. He also learned that many really need- 
ing help, would not take money as a gift, but would be glad to 
borrow at a low rate of interest, giving notes payable in small 
sums, monthly or weekly. She told of many laughable incidents 
and many pathetic scenes, and each day brought something 
new and instructive. All these stories showed new phases of 
human nature, and interested Mr. Stoneman greatly, and he 
was delighted that Alma did such energetic and faithful work. 
She had found it better and far safer to join one of the dea- 
coness homes, and enduring the day dress in the garb of a dea- 
coness. This gave her not only protection, but many would tell 
a deaconess of those needing help, when they would not tell any 
one else. Nearly all the sick in these poor districts needed help, 
even where they were not so poor, for very few knew how to 
properly care for or nurse the sick, and this item was one of 
the largest in her account. 

Mr. Hoover had been detained by Mr. Stoneman in New 
York so he could attend the stockholders meeting of the Steam- 
ship company at which he voted Mr. Stoneman ^s stock, and 
formed the acquaintance of a number of the wealthy stockhold- 
ers, who were active business men. The members of the board, 
as agreed upon in Mr. Stoneman ’s office were unanimously 
elected, and Mr. Hoover was offered the position of Secretary, 
but this he declined, for he knew it was only because he had 
voted Mr. Stoneman ’s stock. He told them he expected to be 
away from New York the most of the time, and that he would 
not be able to serve them in that position, as there would be 
much work for the secretary. 

The Sunday before he was to start away he called upon 
Alma, and was delighted to find Mr. Stoneman there. He had 
formed a very favorable opinion of Mr. Stoneman. The day was 
very happily spent and Mr. Stoneman charmed them all by his 
bright conversation, for he was well posted upon all the topics 
of the day. This was one of his gifts. He could be most agree- 
able when occasion demanded it, though at other times he was 
thought a little narrow and unsociable. They had music which 
Mr. Stoneman greatly enjoyed. After several sacred pieces, Mr. 
Stoneman asked if they had and would sing the new song 
‘^Settling with God.’’ Alma had the music, and they sang it 
with spirit, after which Mr. Stoneman straightened up in his 
rocking chair and said ‘‘By the grace of God, that song made a 


56 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


new man of me. ' ^ He said no more, and they did not understand 
what he meant, but a look of sweet sadness came into his face, 
and other music seemed out of place. Mr. Stoneman’s plans were 
so well perfected and his trusted men were so well selected and 
instructed, that he could return to his Cleveland home where the 
lake breezes temper the summer heat and living is a luxury. 

He left New York quietly and reached Cleveland unan- 
nounced, save to those of his own home. His first night at home 
gave him such rest that the morning found him up and out of 
doors. He took a ride by the new church to see how it was pro- 
gressing and found it well under way. He had a short chat with 
the contractor, took a spin over the boulevard and returned home 
tired, but refreshed, to take up the pressing business which fol- 
lowed him wherever he went. Eeports of investments had al- 
ways been of great interest and this habit he kept up, though 
now from a very different view point. He spent much time in 
studying the tabulated reports of his investments in the differ- 
ent parts of the world. In spite of his strong will power, the old 
time desire to make money would now and then come back. His 
vast wealth invited large enterprises, promising large profits 
with little chance of loss. These deflections from his fixed de- 
termination to use all he possessed in that way which would 
bring the greatest results for good, were only temporary, and he 
studied the fields for charity and new ways to help the poor and 
needy. 

In July a very bad outbreak of yellow fever was reported 
from New Orleans, and there was much suffering. ]\Ir. Stoneman 
did not delay a minute, but as soon as he learned the true situa- 
tion by direct talk over long distance with the medical director of 
New Orleans, he telephoned back, to employ all needed help and 
order needed supplies, and he would pay the bills when properly 
0. KM. by the medical director up to one million dollars. This 
prompt assistance gave such power to those fighting the disease, 
that it was quickly under control, and saved hundreds of lives. 
The newspapers published this large benevolence with such ad- 
ditions and embellishments as were thought necessary to tickle 
the over-gorged stomach of the reading public, and editorials 
appeared calling attention to what seemed to be a change in Mr. 
Stoneman’s way of giving. 

Mr. Stoneman had for forty years caused every item refer- 
ring to him, in the newspapers, periodicals, and magazines, 
including cuts and pictures, to be gathered and put in scrap- 
books, so that he had a complete history as given to the public, 
of all he had done or said as set down by reporters and critics. 
He, however, paid little attention to what was printed, and the 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


57 


public itself was not very much impressed. He pushed his plans 
forward as fast as circumstances would permit. One change 
made a deep impression on the citizens of Cleveland, and that 
was the interest he took in local matters. He could not be pres- 
ent in person, but he had his representative at all public func- 
tions, where citizens gathered to further worthy objects, who 
spoke and acted for him, and if money was needed it was always 
given in the same way as others gave and on the same condition. 
This brought Mr. Stoneman in contact with more of his fellow 
townsmen, than had ever been the case before. True, he did not 
meet them personally, but all knew he was too old to be out at 
evening gatherings, and they counted his interest as shown by 
sending his representative as his personal presence. In truth, the 
common people began to feel a pride in Mr. Stoneman. During 
the summer, reports said that the island of Haiti and San Do- 
mingo was about to be taken in hand, because of failure to pay 
interest on bonds and to settle claims for damages which a mixed 
commission had allowed some years before. The total indebted- 
ness was but a few millions, and if the governments of 
the island had honestly collected, and handled the income 
and revenue, there would have been plenty to protect 
the credit of the government. But there were no skilled finan- 
ciers in the island governments, while graft and filching 
public moneys, was the common and expected habit of all offi- 
cials. In some way this condition impressed Mr. Stoneman and 
he saw a chance to change the whole order of life and methods, 
and give the island an upward, in place of a downward trend. 
The more he studied the subject, the more he saw in this condi- 
tion a place where some of his millions could do good, provided 
he could obtain the right kind of help. The keenness of his ima- 
gination and foresight was remarkable, for he pictured not only 
the slow processes of education, the long struggle to overcome 
ignorance, superstition and prejudice, but the harder task to cul- 
tivate and grow a public conscience, which would make any help 
and reform lasting. In it all he saw the power of money, and 
he had faith that by its proper use, under the teachings and in 
the spirit of Christ, the poor and degraded people of the island 
might be elevated and Christianized. 

With him, to see what should be done was to begin at once 
to do it, and he wrote to the Secretary of State at Washington, 
for such statements as were proper for him to give, showing the 
amounts, nature and justness of the several claims against the 
governments, and by whom held. The Secretary at first was in- 
clined to let the letter pass as the vaporings of an old man, but 
he recalled the fact that it was through Mr. Stoneman the depart- 


58 


THE CONVERSION OP JOHN STONEMAN 


ment learned of the proposed wrongdoing of McCormick in The 
Panama Canal matter, and putting this with some other things 
he had heard and read, he concluded to furnish the information 
desired, but not in an official capacity. 

In a short time a large package came to Mr. Stoneman, from 
which he was enabled, by careful study, to compute approximate- 
ly, the amount that would be needed, and the general nature of 
the several claims. The more he studied, the more important 
seemed the undertaking, but where could he find the workmen. 
He well knew that no common mind could grasp his plans and 
purposes, and it would take rare and uncommon skill to execute 
them. Here, as never before, Mr. Stoneman saw how much su- 
perior man, taken at his best, was to mere wealth. He had come 
to believe money could do almost everything, and he had almost 
unlimited wealth, and yet his wealth was powerless of itself, to 
do the work desired. He knew that the man he wanted must have 
more than intellectual culture or diplomatic knowledge. He saw 
that he must find human help with the best mentai, moral and 
physical development. For several days he studied with great 
men whom he knew, and of whom he had read, and called in 
Eev. Backus ^‘to help him think as he expressed it. They can- 
vassed all men of note, but one after another was found wanting 
in some particular, until they reached the name of Hans Knick- 
erbocker. Mr. Stoneman recalled, that this man held high politi- 
cal trusts, had been so statesmanlike and honorable in all mat- 
ters that no enemy was found to criticise him, save those who 
had broken or were anxious to break law. In all positions he had 
more than met expectation, and at one time had much to do in 
settling certain complex international matters. His scholarship 
was well known, for his pen had given to the reading public 
many books and magazine articles, some of which had been 
translated into many, if not all the languages of the world. lie 
was master of several languages other than English, and though 
somewhat past middle life, was strong, active and ambitious to 
be doing something of moment. These qualities were just what 
Mr. Stoneman wanted in the man chosen to execute his plans. 
Mr. Knickerbocker was rich, and Mr. Stoneman was certain that 
no money consideration would induce him to undertake the task. 
After several attempts Mr. Stoneman mailed the following letter : 


Mr. Hans Knickerbocker. 

Dear Sir: — Let not this letter surprise you. I have a big 
thought of doing good, but I need your personal help. If leisure 
serves, will you please come and visit me? I can then at least 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMiAN 


59 


unfold my thought, and in the mirror of your judgment learn 
if I am right or wrong. If you can come, telegraph me, but 
please keep your coming, if so you can, from the ever present 
and imperative reporters. 

Trusting to see you soon, I remain, 

Yours truly, 

JOHN STONEMAN. 

Two days after this, Mr. Stoneman received a telegram as 
follows : 

Mr. John Stoneman, Cleveland, Ohio. 

Will reach Cleveland next Tuesday. 

Hans Knickerbocker. 


60 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


CHAPTER VIII 

The reports from Manda Tilley had been regularly made, 
and greatly amused and instructed Mr. Stoneman, for she used 
quaint expressions, and as she was a keen observer, her com- 
ments and suggestions were of value. He was very thankful that 
he had promoted this partnership, for it brought him nearer in 
touch with the suffering lower strata of society, and though he 
was acting through another, he believed his Heavenly Father 
would count it to him for righteousness, and that He understood 
it all. No doubt there is a feeling of gladness in duty well done, 
when one gives to colleges, hospitals, buildings as homes for or- 
phans and the aged, but this feeling is nothing compared with 
that realized when one relieves real want and suffering, in per- 
sons, and sees with his own eyes the relief that comes. The glad- 
dened faces of hungry and gaunt children, the rough, crude 
thanks of those who are helped, and the looks of gratitude from 
discouraged and suffering mothers, live in the heart and memory, 
and brighten life, far beyond the resolutions from any eleemosy- 
nary board. Mr. Stoneman was, in a way, brought in touch with 
suffering, and his heart was softened, though often sad, because 
he could reach only a small number, and he resolved to find more 
such workers, if he could. The papers had given Mr. Stoneman 
considerable rest as to business matters, for as early as 1905, he 
had practically turned the management of the large corpora- 
tions over to others, but he was careful to keep control of stocks, 
and see that only men whom he could trust, were elected as di- 
rectors, trustees and executive committees. The stringent laws 
as to corporations and monopolies had caused some trouble, but 
skilled lawyers in Congress and Senate, as well as on the bench, 
had so interpreted the laws that little good resulted. This en- 
abled the corporations to discover new ways of accomplishing 
the same ends, so that injustice and wrong were about as preva- 
lent in 1922 as they had been at any time before. 

Now that the several large buildings being erected in New 
York, Boston, Philadelphia, Cleveland and Pittsburg showed 
that some powerful syndicate or man was behind the plan, the 
papers began a careful investigation, to make certain who was 
doing this building in such unsightly places and on such 
gigantic scales. It was not difficult for the sharp reporters to 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


61 


guess who this party was, and yet no one openly and positively 
said that it was John Stoneman. 

He was watched with much care, for it was said he is 
the man, why is he doing it?” In the public mind Mr. Stone- 
man could and would do nothing which had not for its ultimate 
object, adding to his wealth. But no one could figure large 
dividends on such investments, nor could it be learned from any 
amount of investigation, that he had purchased adjoining lands, 
which would increase in value, from these improvements. His 
reputation in other years may have been correct, for the faculty 
of money making had been in him so largely developed, that 
if he gave to church or school, he followed the same bent of 
mind, and so gave, that large returns would come from his in- 
vestment, even though it did not come to him. He read and had 
classified all the reports that Amanda and Alma sent, and while 
there was no comparison in language or style, there was still 
the same spirit of love and sympathy, and their ministration 
had met and relieved the same suffering and want. Mr. Knick- 
erbocker was to arrive on the noon train, and Mr. Stoneman ’s 
auto was at the depot to meet him. No notice that Mr. Knicker- 
bocker was coming had been sent, but a watchful reporter was 
at the depot, who recognized him, and of course wanted an in- 
terview, and even asked a seat with him in the auto, but this 
was kindly though firmly refused, and Mr. Knickerbocker also 
refused to answer any question whatever, whereupon the re- 
porter wrote a lengthy article, and knowing the auto belonged 
to Mr. Stoneman, said that while Mr. Knickerbocker did not so 
admit, there was little doubt but that he came to obtain financial 
help for an eastern college, which was then planning a new and 
extensive scientific addition. Neither Mr. Stoneman nor Mr. 
Knickerbocker paid any attention to the article, but Mr. Stone- 
man was pleased that such a reason for the coming of Knicker- 
bocker had been given. No business was talked of until after 
lunch, when Mr. Stoneman took his guest into the library and 
closed the door, placing his servant outside to keep all parties 
from disturbing them. When seated Mr. Stoneman said, ‘Wou 
no doubt, wonder why I wanted to see you. I may have pre- 
sumed too much when I asked you to come. The afternoon 
papers say you came for a subscription to the building fund of 
a scientific hall for some eastern college, and I think it will be 
wise to carry out this idea, by doing just what the papers say, 
since that will hide the true business we have in hand. So you 
can put my name down, and I will fill in the amount later. Of 
course I know what your opinion of me years ago was and while 
that opinion was in the main correct, yet in one way, you and 


62 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


the public were wrong. No matter what I did or permitted to 
be done, which was injurious and questionable, I then thought 
it was right, and it seemed to me that I was doing my duty, 
when I was making all the money I could, I thought that if a 
man or corporation got in my way, it was my duty to get him 
out of my path, by any means necessary within the law, and if 
he or they refused to accept the liberal terms I always first 
offered, that I should crush or ruin parties as a punishment. 
How it was that I so felt and believed I do not know. I was 
then as firm a believer in Christ and his teachings as I am today, 
but I did not then understand how these teachings were to be 
applied in human affairs. I find that I am not alone in this, 
Saul of Tarsus, for years believed it his duty to persecute to 
death the followers of Christ, but he saw the light and changed, 
and I, too, saw the light and for a little time have been trying 
to use the wealth I hold, in a way that will bring the greatest 
help to my fellow-men.’’ 

Mr. Stoneman hesitated a moment, and Mr. Knickerbocker 
said : ‘ ‘ There has been, as you no doubt know, some speculation 
in the daily papers and magazines, especially in financial circles, 
as to who was building so many fine apartment houses in such 
uninviting and disreputable places, and it is the general opinion 
that you are doing it. The public, I believe thinks there is some 
gigantic scheme back of all this, and land near to and about 
these buildings, has gone up in value beyond all reason. But 
from what you now say, I think you had another and a higher 
purpose than investing money.” 

^^Well, yes, and no,” said Mr. Stoneman, had no purpose 
of making money for myself, but I looked the conditions over 
very carefully, and I saw, as I thought, an opportunity for a 
good investment, the profit to come to others, not directly in 
money, but the investment will pay very well I think. I want 
to help those who live in the crowded slums of our large cities, 
to a better way of living, for I believe if they live better, they 
will become less criminal, and in time, good citizens. I am not 
surprised that the public can not think me capable of doing 
this, from any but selfish money making motives. Changing 
from what I was, to what I am, or hope I am, and mean to be, 
has caused me some trouble and anxiety. You have seen the 
stories as to my senility, insanity and inability to manage my 
business,” but I doubt if you can guess the source or real cause. 
It is true that I hold the controlling interests in the greatest 
oil company in the world, in the largest transportation lines, 
as w’ell as in other corporations, and I have been careful each 
year, to have a majority on each board, upon whom, in case of 


THE CONVERSION OP JOHN STONEMAiN 


63 


necessity, I could depend. I learned that one of the directors 
of the Steamship Company had made an agreement with the 
Governor of the Panama Canal, from which a rebate or discount 
on the tonnage of all our boats was to be secretly made, which 
would have given the Company great advantage over other lines. 
This information came to me, not in a confidential way, but in 
connection with other business matters. In fact, I only had a 
slight clue, but I gave this hint to the Secretary of the State, 
who investigated, and found it was true, and this caused the 
removal of the then governor. This made the director to whom 
I allude, angry. I purchased his stock in the Company, at his 
own price, but very soon after this, false, slanderous statements 
and suggestive items began to be published about my mental 
condition. This Director resigned from the Steamship Com- 
pany before I offered to buy him out, but he did not from any 
of the other Boards. I also suggested that the asking or receiv- 
ing of rebates from roads and transportation companies be at 
once discontinued in our companies. Of course this was met 
by protest and objection on the ground that it would cut down 
the revenue and decrease dividends. But as all knew I held the 
signed resignation of the officers, and a controlling interest in 
the stock of many of the large companies, my suggestions had 
almost the force of a command, and yet, I know my wishes have 
not been carried out. There will, in my opinion, be an effort 
made by those who want to continue the old methods, to have 
me declared incompetent to conduct business and I expect they 
will try to have someone appointed trustee to vote my stock. I 
know this has been talked, for I have parties who keep me 
posted. You can understand how vital they believe it is, to get 
me out of the way, and from their view point, and what I have 
permitted and silently agreed to, in the past, I do not wonder. 
They think I am suffering from mental derangement because I 
want things honestly done, and that old fashioned honesty in 
business matters is obsolete and out of date. My age gives 
excuse, I may say, indeed, it gives presumption, for the claim 
that I am too old to manage business, and that younger men 
should dictate. I have not, for some years, taken an active part 
in managing these companies, but I have kept legal control so 
that I could, if occasion required, protect my interests. There 
are two classes who are responsible for these rumors and publi- 
cations. One, the class that receives large profits from rebates, 
and from other doubtful sources, and the other, officers of trans- 
portation companies, who are nearly all paid, in order to insure 
the rebates, and keep their mouths shut. It has been their duty 
to keep their books so that in ease of investigation, nothing could 


64 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


be learned or discovered. It is, indeed, hard to bear the abuse 
that is now being heaped upon me, just because I am trying to 
do right, but I recognize the fact that it is nothing more than I 
ought to expect. I think the good Lord will give me strength, 
health and mental power to undo very much of the wrong which 
has come from my methods and influences, or that I can make 
amends with the money I have, by doing good to others. If I 
could I would give back every dollar wrongfully made, but this 
is not possible, and now I must do my best to stop this wrong, 
and use the funds in my hands as in trust for the benefit of my 
fellowmen.’’ 

He paused, and sat in deep thought, and after a moment 
Mr. Knickerbocker said: ''M>r. Stoneman, I am both delighted 
and surprised to hear you say what you have, for I know of no 
one who can give more help to the government than you can. 
For nearly twenty years the several states and general govern- 
ment have been trying to root up the multitudinous forms of 
dishonest advantages given by the large transportation corpora- 
tions to certain manufacturing and exporting companies, but 
paid attorneys are elected to congress and senate, and rich stock- 
holders are made lawmakers or judges, till corruption has run 
riot. Predatory wealth has caused much trouble, and will, till 
laws can be better enforced. But your idea of reform in the 
corporations themselves, is by all odds the most certain way to 
bring the desired results.’’ 

Mr. Stoneman straightened up and replied : ‘ H am glad you 
think so, and I certainly shall do my duty unhesitatingly if I 
know what it is, but I am now far from being, strong, though I 
am much better than I was during the winter and early spring. 
Fortunately, however, I have in my service, as trusty help as 
any man ever had. Some of these men and women, have been 
in my employ for years, and have always obeyed my orders, no 
matter how distasteful. To them I have given suggestions of 
my change in feelings, and purpose, and nearly all rejoice that 
there has been this change. One of the gentlemen, some years 
my junior, shed tears when I told him that I had seen the error 
of my old methods, and intended to have all business done, from 
this time forth, upon strictly honest principles. You have, no 
doubt, been wondering why I sent for you and you may be more 
surprised when I tell you. The papers of late have been print- 
ing sad reports as to the financial condition of Haiti and San 
Domingo, and the utter failure of the governments there to 
manage the finances, or make the resources of the island pay 
running expenses, and interest on the government indebtedness. 
The United States, as you know, has made some half-hearted 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


65 


efforts to help the Governments help themselves, but the trouble 
is, the people of the island do not know how, and the masses are 
too superstitious to understand what is for their own good. I 
wrote the Secretary of State to learn the amount of the 
bonded and other indebtedness, and he sent me very full state- 
ments, from which I gather, that, all told, it would take some 
sixty millions to pay off all the debts. The commissions ap- 
pointed some years ago to pass upon the justness of these claims, 
cut out and cut down, so that I think sixty millions or even less 
will clear up everything. My thought has been that if the gov- 
ernments of the island would, by proper legislation, elect boards 
which I nominate, to take charge of all the governments’ 
finances, and internal improvements, giving these boards power 
to build school-houses, employ teachers, make roads, build and 
extend steam and electric lines, locate and assist manufacturing, 
institute schools for the improvement of agriculture, and learn- 
ing of different trades, and put to advantageous use the physical 
and intellectual forces of the people and Island, I would buy up 
and hold all this indebtedness, and would turn the interest over 
to meet the expenses and expenditures of the improvements for 
each government. The increased revenues which would surely 
come from improved methods, and conditions, would enable the 
governments to meet all the balance of the board’s expense. I 
should want this condition to continue for fifty years, and at the 
end of fifty years, the indebtedness would become an irredeem- 
able and irreducible debt, held by the governments of San 
Domingo and Haiti, the interest to be used for educational pur- 
poses in the very broadest sense. To carry this out efficiently, 
there must be several conditions so fixed by legislation and 
agreement, that they can not be changed. 

There must be religious liberty. 

^‘2. No indebtedness shall be incurred by the government 
during said fifty years, which cannot be paid from the revenues 
of each current year. 

''3. The governments shall agree to not interfere with the 
Boards that I shall nominate, but shall give to these Boards all 
the help and support possible. 

‘^4. In case any disagreement or difficulty should arise be- 
tween the governments of the island and the Boards, it shall be 
settled by referring the matter to the Secretary of State of the 
United States and I shall want it so arranged, that if these 
Boards fail to do their duty, upon proper showing, the President 
of the United States may remove any one or all and appoint 
others. 

There will be other conditions, but these are fundamental. 


6 


66 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


My purpose as you will see is to relieve the islanders of their 
debts, but do it in such a way, as to educate and elevate the 
people. It has been said they can not be improved. I do not 
believe this, for it can certainly be done by taking the children, 
and educating them, for two generations. By education, I in- 
clude all the lines of labor, and influence, from state craft to 
quiet gardener. The unborn generations, when these Boards 
begin work, will be matured men and women when all is turned 
over to the governments, but they will be brought up and 
educated under the new order, and will have broader ideas and 
better morals than their grandparents. The moneys the Boards 
will have to expend each year, will be from three to six millions 
and this, if rightly used, will work wonders in so small a 
territory. But it will require great skill and diplomacy, to 
bring this about, and no one can do it alone, but there must be 
one master mind to organize, manage and direct, and you are 
the only one I could think of who has all the qualifications 
needed to plan, organize and carry out such an enterprise, and 
if you will undertake it, I want to place all negotiations in your 
hands. It will be necessary to proceed with caution. The 
revenue of the Island is not sufficient to pay the interest on the 
debt, even when collected by white men, and for ready cash, this 
indebtedness can be bought, I think, at large discount. The most 
trouble will be in getting the governments of the island to agree 
to proper conditions, and to enact proper legislation. It will 
be necessary to leave revenue enough in the hands of the gov- 
ernment to meet its running expenses, but this must be limited 
and I do not want these boards to take any part in government 
matters, beyond the strict line of the agreement, for I depend 
upon their friendly helpfulness in the education, moral training 
and upright example before the young, to bring about the 
desired changes, as well as make that small country count a 
blessing to the world in place of a curse. 

have not the ready cash to purchase this indebtedness, 
but I think all the creditors will be only too glad to take the 
United States four per cent bonds in exchange, and I can 
furnish all of these needed. These bonds are now at a good 
premium, which will help very much in making the purchase. 
I know the history of these people, especially since the French 
were driven out, and admit the prospect is not encouraging, but 
I believe they are capable of improvement, and I think of no 
place or investment where the same amount of money will 
promise larger returns.’’ 

‘‘How do you think it best to begin this?” asked Mr. 
Knickerbocker. Mr. Stoneman replied, “If you go to Wash- 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAiN 


67 


ington and tell the President and Secretary of State our plans, 
you will have the influence of the department to help you. The 
United States has been a sort of trustee under the ‘'Monroe 
Doctrine^’ to divide the revenues from certain ports among the 
several creditors, but this has not been a great success, and 
unless better management takes hold, there is no hope that the 
interest or principal can be paid. As many of these claims have 
grown out of the violation of grants and contracts of the 
different governments of the Island, there can be no wrong done 
by buying them up as cheaply as possible. As I understand it, 
these claims are all in the hands of trustees, who have full power 
of attorney to collect, settle or compromise, but all are to share 
pro rata, so this will simplify matters greatly. By talking with 
the President and Secretary of State, and if they are favorable, 
all objections from the United States will be removed, for we 
will shape matters to meet the President’s views. Of course 

this will be unofficial, and your experience will tell you just 

how far we can go. It will be much easier to get what we want, 

if the management is put into the hands of a Board of three, 

two Americans and one native of San Domingo. I think we can 
find, at least, one honest, capable man in that government who 
will work with the Americans all right. As the carrying out of 
this enterprise will extend beyond life, and as the men first 
chosen may resign or become incompetent, or use the position 
for selfish gain, or die, I think the safest way will be to have the 
power of appointment and removal placed with the President 
of the United States, if he will accept it, and if not, then with 
the Secretary of State, or some one who will be high in au- 
thority. With your assistance, I will pick out the members of 
the first Board. We must look this business over from all pos- 
sible view points, for if carried out substantially, as I have out- 
lined, it would be a great boon to San Domingo, but it should 
also serve as a pattern for other lands, where ignorance and 
superstition hold sway. It will be difficult to overcome pre- 
judice and superstition in the people, but when they learn that 
all this is done to help them and that they themselves are to 
enjoy the benefit, they will become friendly. The greatest 
trouble will b<? to curb their ambition to rule, and one thing 
to be taught the young, is obedience to law, and that rebellion 
is a crime. While I would do all I could to aid in ‘spreading the 
Gospel of Christ,’ I think it will be necessary to limit the 
Board’s work to high moral education along all lines, and leave 
the field open for all denominations. I have dictated some 
suggestions which may be of service to you, but you are not 
bound to follow them farther than your good judgment and 


68 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEM'AN 


experience will approve. One thing has been on my mind. 
If we get these grants and agreements from the governments 
should we not include the franchises for electric and steam 
roads, lighting and heating plants, etc.? I can see great profit 
in this, but please do not think I want it for myself. The time 
was when this would have been true, but in this matter, I want 
only large funds and large profits, for the purpose of improv- 
ing the country. To build the school-house and furnish com- 
petent teachers, will take vast sums, and when we add the many 
other demands which the Boards must meet, the government 
itself will be short of funds. 

^^If the governments of the island are wise enough to let 
you carry out your plans, the revenues will increase beyond 
the government’s needs, provided things are properly handled,” 
said Mr. Knickerbocker. 

Here were two men of mighty brain power, the one able to 
take in the most gigantic, important and complex financial 
schemes and trace them out to final results, and plan them so 
as to bring large profits; the other just as able to look through 
the web of diplomatic red tape to the desired results of good 
and beneficent government. His planning could take in the 
political relations of the whole world as easy as the other could 
the financial possibilities. After retiring, Mr. Knickerbocker 
could not sleep till he had mentally laid out the steps necessary 
to bring Mr. Stoneman’s plan to a successful issue. The next 
day was bright and charming. A cool breeze came from the 
lake, and Mr. Stoneman took his guest for a ride through the 
extensive system of boulevards, which make Cleveland now as 
noted as did her Euclid Avenue in earlier years. Their way 
led over the heights and Mr. Stoneman had the chauffeur slow 
down as they passed the Mission Church, and he told of the new 
light that had there come to him. His voice was as tender and 
sympathetic as a mother’s when he talked of the good he wantexl 
to do, to make amends so far as he could for the mistakes o^ the 
past. Mr. Knickerbocker was enthusiastic in his expression of 
delight which the ride afforded, for he had no idea of the extent 
of Cleveland’s parks and boulevards. When they passed over 
the high boulevard bridge spanning Cuyahoga Eiver, giving a 
bird’s eye view of manufacturing and shipping along the river, 
and extensive wharfs, and saw the steam and electric cars, 
moving along the streets and roads, one above another, he w.^.s 
amazed. Rocky River was beautiful, and as they returned 
along the Lake Shore Boulevard, vast shipping and hills of coal 
and iron ore, impressed Mr. Knickerbocker with the fair city’s 
brain-drawn-wealth, culture and progressiveness. But his great- 


THE CONVERSION OP JOHN STONEMAN 


69 


est surprise was, when in following the boulevard, they came 
suddenly in full view of Cleveland's lately finished and far- 
famed group plan of public buildings. No other city in the 
world has the combination of nature and art as was here pre- 
sented. The Lake in its dimpling beauty, the boats, large and 
small, moving back and forth, the green plats and flower beds 
with shade and promenades leading to the water's edge, all 
added to the architectural beauty of the many public buildings, 
so grouped as to seem but a single unit of gigantic, though 
symmetrical, construction. The large and safe harbor, hardly 
completed, and the vast stretch of docks had made Cleveland 
the greatest port of entry on the lakes and her tonnage but a 
little below that of the largest port in Europe. 

When Mr. Stoneman reached home he found Mandy Tilley 
sitting on hi^ front porch fanning herself with her hat. He was 
interested to note the change in her dress and manner, for she 
was now well dressed and when she spoke, there was less assur- 
ance and her language took on more of a refined tone. She 
was introduced to Mr. Knickerbocker as Mr. Stoneman 's partner 
in doing charitable work among the poor of Cleveland. Mr. 
Knickerbocker asked her how she was getting along in her work. 

^^Well, " she said, ^^my reports tell what I have done and 
the money I have spent. There ain't much real call for money. 
I used to think if I had lots of money, I could do a heap of 
good, but I finds it's different. In most cases money makes 
things worse and I finds it 's in the folks theirselves and money 
don't change folks much. Now, there was Mike Flannigan, a 
good sort of a soul. He was in my first report. His child died, 
and to give it a decent burial, as he said, he mortgaged his 
house-hold furniture and, in fact, all that he had, and agreed 
to pay ten cents on a dollar each month for interest. Mike was 
working, and all he could do was to pay part of the interest, 
and, when the firm he was working for, shut down for repairs, 
he could not pay anything, and the holder of the mortgage was 
going to take all the property, even the baby's cradle, so I paid 
off the mortgage, but I made the skinflint throw off the interest 
down to eight per cent, which was enough. I thought this would 
encourage Mike, and that he would be able to take care of his 
wife and kids, but I was fooled, for he was so relieved when I 
told him the mortgage was paid that he went on a spree, and it 
lasted so long that he lost his place, and but for what the neigh- 
bors gave them, the family would have starved. Then there was 
the widow Clavasky with her two children. Her man was killed 
in a saloon fight, and since then she has supported herself and 
children by taking in washing, and doing other jobs, house- 


70 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


cleaning, etc., but she could not earn enough to feed and clothe 
herself and children, so I thought this a good place to help a 
little, and I gave her $15.00 to get the children clothes with. 
Now what do you suppose she did with that money? In place 
of buying clothes and feed for the children, she went to one of 
them places where they sells furniture on a small payment down 
and so much each month, and bought a lounge, six chairs, and 
a dining room table, some pictures, and a brussels carpet for 
her kitchen, which is also her dining and sitting room. They 
weren’t worth over twenty-five dollars all told, but she agreed to 
pay three times that by paying seven dollars and fifty cents each 
month. She gave back a mortgage on the stuff, and then went 
to work, and gave away her old furniture, which was plenty 
good enough for her, as she was situated. She was a proud and 
happy woman for a month, but at the end of the month, she 
found she had no money to pay the seven dollars and fifty 
cents, so they took all the things she had bought, which left her 
almost nothing. She came to me to help her pay for the furni- 
ture, but I would not do that, cause she was such a fool, but 
after they had stripped the house, I did buy a few second hand 
things, enough to keep her going, and told her to have more 
sense and less pride. After a bit, I spent five dollars in clothes 
for the children, and since then she has done better. But the 
worst is the reporters. They first came and asked me where I 
got my money, and I told them it wern’t my money. And they 
actually sent a ’tective to see if I stole it. But he didn’t amount 
to nothin, but wanted to know if a society furnished the money, 
and I told him it was sort of a partnership and he got mad and 
said he would find out some way, and he would have the re- 
porters write me up big if I wouldn’t tell, so I went down to 
the paper offices and saw the head editors, and I told em if 
they let any foolishness be published about me, it would be 
mighty bad, cause all the tramps and reprobates would rush to 
my house and I would have to run away, and quit helping any 
one. I just told them I had all the money I wanted to help the 
truly honest poor. They laughed and said they would like to 
put my picture in the papers, but that if it would stop my 
helping the poor and suffering, they would not do it, and they 
would not let anything be printed, and they didn’t.” 

Mr. Knickerbocker was much interested, and asked many 
questions. Both men saw want and charity in new light, and 
also saw, as never before, how hard is the task of helping to 
better the living of the submerged tenth. 

Mr. Stoneman thanked her for calling on him and for the 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


71 


information given, and also promised to see that she was pro- 
tected from the reporters. 

She left happy and light hearted, to take up and continue her 
labor of love. The men talked over, so far as they could, additional 
plans for the betterment of the island, and when Mr. Emicker- 
bocker was leaving for Washington, Mr. Stoneman said: ‘‘The 
reporters have been calling up, and asking for an interview as to 
why you are here, and to mislead them I will make a donation 
to the scientific building fund in which you are interested. The 
papers said you were here for a subscription and I will make 
one. ’ ’ 

Mr. Knickerbocker saw that two good results would come 
from this unsought and unexpected gift. One would be the satis- 
fying of the reporters as to why he came to see Mr. Stoneman, and 
the other that the help would encourage others to give, and make 
the new science hall a success. In the name of the Board, he 
thanked Mr. Stoneman who handed him an envelope and said: 
“You can show this to the reporters if they trouble you very 
much with questions.’’ 

Mr. Knickerbocker took the envelope and again thanked him 
and bidding him a hearty ‘ ‘ Good-bye, ’ ’ started for the depot. On 
his way he opened the envelope and found an offer to give one 
hundred thousand dollars, provided nine hundred thousand more 
were subscribed before the next Fourth of July. The conditions 
did not please Mr. Knickerbocker, but he knew Mr. Stoneman ’s 
habits of making investments in charity pay big dividends, as 
well as in commercial matters and in this case, it could do no 
harm. He only showed his teeth in a quiet smile, for he already 
knew where seven hundred thousand dollars were to come from 
and he knew the other two hundred thousand could be easily ob- 
tained. He had not purchased his ticket, before two reporters 
were at his elbows, asking for an interview. Being on good terms 
with the newspaper fraternity, he answered the boys good natur- 
edly, that he was glad to say that his visit had resulted in a sub- 
stantial subscription to the enterprise he represented, and which 
he had been pushing, and he showed them the paper but 
would not let them take a copy This satisfied the reporters and 
the public, and Mr. Knickerbocker went on his way and carried 
out his plans, unmolested, until he had secured an option on all 
the indebtedness. 


72 


THE CONVERSION OP JOHN STONEM'AN 


CHAPTER IX. 

Mr. Stoneman having tasted the sweets of doing for others, 
turned the energy of his great business mind into devising other 
ways for charitable investments. He soon found that the world 
could, and would, misunderstand his acts, and misinterpret his 
motives, but in the making of money he had suffered, in silence, 
the abuse and slanders from sharp pens and venomous tongues, 
and now having made giving a business, he was not greatly trou- 
bled by what was said or written. His apartment houses in the 
several cities were moving toward completion, as fast as energy 
and prompt payment of bills could force them, and he began to 
study the best method of using them when finished. It had seem- 
ed easy when he let the contracts, but he now realized that if these 
buildings were to be of lasting benefit, those in them should be 
patterns and examples to those about them. He knew himself 
to be incompetent to solve the perplexing questions which vrere 
fast presenting themselves to his mind. He could suggest the 
outlines upon bottom facts, and he knew no better way in this 
matter, than to get information and suggestions from those who 
were well informed in such matters. He could think of no 
parties who were better informed upon such subjects, than 
Eev. Backus and Mr. Hoover. These men had never met, but 
he was confident that they would work together. Mr. Hoover 
had reported from St. Paul, Minneapolis and Denver, and was 
about ready to start for San Francisco, when a telegram from 
MV. Stoneman called him to Cleveland. At about the same 
time, Alma and her grandmother received a pressing invitation 
to come to Cleveland and visit friends, accompanied with a 
check to cover expenses. From this it came about that one 
bright day the latter part of August, Alma and her lover, un- 
expectedly to each, met at the home of Mr. Stoneman. They 
were somewhat embarrassed at first, no doubt caused by glad 
surprise, as both the blushes on Alma’s cheeks and Hoover’s 
evident confusion attested, and Mr. Stoneman was not slow 
to observe this, though he only smiled, see you are acquaint- 
ed,” he said. He was no joker, though he often tried to be. His 
life from boyhood had been serious, but not gloomy. He en- 
joyed young life, and was pleased to see that young people were 
glad to meet each other, which he thought quite natural under 
the circumstances. The quiet beautiful walks round Mr. Stone- 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAiN 


73 


man^s home, afforded ample opportunity for them to talk over 
their affairs and say the charming little nothings, which are 
lover ^s legal tender, but of no value to any one else. Mr. 
Stoneman invited Rev. and Mrs. Backus to dinner, and from 
the start, Mrs. Backus and Alma became fast friends, while the 
friendship between the men, though not so spontaneous, was not 
less strong or lasting. After dinner, Mr. Stoneman explained 
to them what he wanted, and together they took up the work 
of formulating rules and regulations to govern the renting, and 
use of the new apartment houses. The rates to be charged, 
were to be very reasonable, but a low rent would yield a large 
yearly income, and this had to be provided for. As a first con- 
dition, it was unanimously agreed that no one using, intoxicat- 
ing drinks, as a beverage, was to be admitted. This led to a 
long discussion, as many who really needed these homes, drank. 
It was conceded that drink was the cause of most of the want 
and poverty which made this kind of charity a necessity. Al- 
mazs ideas were helpful. She suggested that there might be a 
hospital in connection with, at least, one building, in each City, 
where parties addicted to drink could be cured, and when 
cured, and as an inducement to take the cure, they should be 
permitted to become tenants, upon the express condition, that 
any one returning to the drink habit would forfeit the right to 
remain in the building. This suggestion pleased Mr. Stoneman 
for he saw this might add to the value of his investment, and 
he promptly set in motion investigations as to the best cure for 
the drink habit, and gave orders for the purchase of land and 
the erection of sanitariums, fitted with all that modern science 
and investigation had discovered along this line. He had pro- 
vision made for fifty patients at a time in each city, and or- 
dered that there should be no distinction as to race, color or 
religion. Mrs. Barlow enjoyed visiting again the few acquaint- 
ances of her early years, and it seemed almost like a resurrec- 
tion, to meet them as of old, in good and stylish clothing. From 
poverty point in New York, to the homes of wealth and refine- 
ment in Cleveland, was a change almost like escaping from 
some horrid dream. The labor of drawing rules and regula- 
tions, took longer than they had anticipated. This set Mr. Stone- 
man to studying how to dispose of these buildings, so as to make 
them a continuous school for building up character among the 
poor and degraded, and at the same time free himself from the 
responsibility of looking after them. He thought of the Board 
of Charities, but they too often came under political rule, and 
this he could not tolerate. He considered organizing new so- 
cieties . for the express purpose of managing these buildings. 


74 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


one for each city, but he soon saw that such societies would, in 
the end, fall into the hands of scheming parties, who would use 
them for selfish ends, and abuse the trust. After several days 
of careful study and consultation, he chose the plan of forming 
a corporation in each city, having five directors ; one to be ap- 
pointed by the Probate Judge, or Surrogate, and two to he 
chosen by the Young Men’s Christian Association, and two by 
the Young Women’s Christian Association in each city, to hold 
office for three years. These two organizations were in all the 
cities, and he was confident that they would select only good 
men and women, and certainly no better plan for perpetuating 
good management could have been devised. He provided that 
each one of these societies should have one-half of the net profits 
from the house, the same to be used by each, in helping poor girls 
and young men, in any way the trustees of each institution 
should think best. He also stipulated that the directors so 
chosen should have the title and charge of the apartment 
houses, and should not in any way be connected with either of 
these associations, as officers or trustees. When the rules to 
govern the business as to the apartment houses had been settled, 
very much anxiety was removed from Mr. Stoneman, and he 
turned his attention to other lines. The new church, under the 
pastor’s constant care and push, was nearing completion, and 
plans for the dedication were being perfected. No authori- 
tative statement had been made by any one as to who the party 
was who furnished the money to buy the property and erect the 
building, hut it was generally believed that it was Mr. Stone- 
man. When the church was finished, Mr. Stoneman was invit- 
ed to be present at the dedication. Mr. Backus showed Mr. 
Stoneman that the conditions he had fixed had been fully com- 
plied with, that at some period in the service, credit for his 
generous gift would rightfully be expected by the people. Mr. 
Stoneman strongly objected to this, but when Rev. Backus told 
him that this would be necessary to satisfy the just and proper 
curiosity of the people, that no undue flattery would be permit- 
ted, that it would be more business-like for him to deliver the 
deed to the trustees, which would also give him a good oppor- 
tunity to say a few words which would please the people very 
much, he yielded and promised to be present if well enough. 
The day for the dedication at last arrived, and the church, 
though large, was crowded and many were unable to obtain 
admission. Mr. Stoneman was there, and had a chair in 
the altar, with several other aged persons and dignitaries. 
Bishop McDowell, then in the height of his pulpit power, 
preached from Christ’s words, ‘We are the light of the world.’' 


THE CONVERSION OP JOHN STONEMAN 


75 


The sermon was not overly long, and he in no way alluded to 
the gift of the church, save as he talked of the light the rich 
man sheds, who gives of his means to humanity. When the 
Bishop closed, the Pastor arose and said: ‘^Through the gener- 
osity of a member of a sister church, we are enabled to dedi- 
cate this temple free of debt, and without asking the member- 
ship or congregation for subscriptions, as is generally the case 
in the dedication of Methodist Churches. This good brother 
asks no vote of thanks, though we all have our heaits full of 
thankfulness, beyond our power to express, nor does he want 
any cheers or demonstrations, though these would be gladly 
given, but I am sure we shall all be delighted to hear a few 
words from our generous benefactor. Brother John Stoneman.’’ 

Mr. Stoneman was considerably embarrassed, as he slowly 
arose, but he had a message and his business instincts told him 
that there was a good place, and this an opportune occasion to 
give it. When he began to speak, his voice hardly reached half 
that large audience, but after a few sentences age seemed to 
vanish, and his words were understood in every nook and corner. 

He said: am indeed grateful to Brother Backus for the 

nice way he said that, but I really did nothing worthy of cheers 
or thanks. This land was doing nothing to help any one, only 
making me pay taxes, and now it is of great value, and can and 
will be used I trust, for many years, to help men and women to 
happy and useful living, and I call that a good investment.’’ 

A general titter ran through the audience, but he con- 
tinued: ‘^The money invested here, I believe, will bring large 
dividends, in helping my fellow beings to pure and noble en- 
deavor. I think I have the greatest cause to be thankful, and 
rejoice that Brother Backus and his good wife were sent here, 
for in the chapel where you have heretofore worshiped, I first 
truly saw the right light, realized the mistakes of my life, and 
I there determined upon another way of living and doing, and 
I thank God that through what I heard in that Chapel, I saw 
my true duty. I can say more, for I have asked and believe I 
have found pardon for the past. Since that time I have tried, 
and am trying to do what I can to follow Christ’s teachings, 
though I no doubt have made, and shall continue to make, mis- 
takes. Let me say to you young business men, do not let the 
love of money blind you to the love of others. I, like Saul 
of Tarsus, truly thought I was doing God’s will, when in fact, 
I was blinded by the love of money, I may say, the love of mak- 
ing money, so that I forgot my brother’s rights, and without 
wanting to wrong anyone, but wanting to make money, even 
though others suffered thereby, I used all means to this end, 
falsely believing the end justified the means. Take warning by 


76 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


me, and follow Christ and do His will. Our common Father 
owns all and can and will give each, all he needs, if each will 
improve his opportunities, and use his powers rightly, and in 
no way violate His righteous laws. I owe very much to Broth- 
er Backus and his good wife. They are working hard to teach 
men and women, that the best service they can render to God, 
is by loving, self-sacrificing service to humanity, and to help 
men see that God keeps a strict account of everything we do, 
and measures all by the motives which prompt our words and 
actions. They did not know me nor did I know them, but God 
knew us, and He used them by music, prayer and sermon, to 
make me realize how badly I had abused the gift of money 
making. This was to me a God bestowed gift, and I did not 
know it, or realize it. I thank God that I listened to the hymn 
and sermon, and that He has been so good as to give me health 
and strength, in my old age, to show a little how glad I am. 
Young man, young woman, the highest gift — the one most priz- 
ed and sought after, is not money-making, though this is right 
and proper, if the rights of others are truly respected, but the 
power to search out, and understand God’s laws, as recorded in 
nature and as shown in the development of art, science, litera- 
ture, and the spiritual, the immortal part which is far above 
money making. Looking back upon my life I see one selfish 
idea, and that not the highest. I do not belittle the ability 
which conducts large enterprises, for the purpose of profit. If 
honestly used, it is honorable and praiseworthy, but the object 
should not be so much to add to the bank account or to make 
profitable investments, as to get the means with which to help 
others. Money is power, but the ability to make it should be 
consecrated, like Samuel, before his birth, to uses helpful to the 
world, and as nearly Christ-like as possible. Money should be 
the stepping stone to the more noble achievements of body, mind 
and soul. I am old, not so much in years as in what I have 
lived through, and this little talk is the longest I have made 
for a long time, but I want all who hear me to follow Christ and 
not my past example. I am pleased now to hand over to the 
president of your board of trustees, the clear title deed of the 
property, and my prayer is that those who come here may find 
and follow Christ.” 

There were many tears shed as he was talking, for he look- 
ed so saintly, his eyes bright with the new vision, his face slight- 
ly flushed, but radiant with love for God and fellow-men, that 
when he sat down for a moment, nothing was heard but what 
seemed to be a general, suppressed sob or sigh. But this feeling 
soon passed, and then as though by common impulse, the au- 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


77 


dience arose and gave the Chautauqua salute. The dedication 
of Mayfield Street Methodist Episcopal church became historic. 
The newspapers of Cleveland had sent only fourth rate report- 
ers, since the fact that Mr. Stoneman was to be there and speak 
was not known. When he rose to speak, one of these reporters, 
sharper than the rest, seeing something out of the ordinary, 
slipped out to the public telephone and called up the Associat- 
ed Press Office and told them John Stoneman was making a 
speech. Then there was a rush for the entrance, and just as 
Mr. Stoneman closed, in came three expert news gath^^rers, who 
only saw the Chautauqua salute, and heard the dedicatory ser- 
vice and the benediction by the Bishop. But two stenographers 
had taken down all that had been said, and these, with their lit- 
tle note books, became very valuable, for the Press Association 
wanted copies at once. Nearly all the large cities in the United 
States printed extra Sunday afternoon editions, giving the re- 
marks of Kev. Backus and Mr. Stoneman, but much of what Mr. 
Stoneman said was printed in large black type. The next Mon- 
day's papers had editorials upon the speech of Mr. Stoneman 
and all those papers controlled by trusts, belittled his remarks, 
as the vaporings of an old man in his dotage. But the financial 
world took fright, and when the stock exchange opened, there 
was little buying or selling, the members being too eager to 
hear and discuss the strange words from the great financier. 
Many were upset, and before the close of business, stocks took 
a tumble and uncertainty was in the air. Large holders of con- 
solidated oil stock and railway stocks were angry at Mr Stone- 
man. Telegrams more than he could read, and letters, almost 
more than his clerks could handle, were delivered at Mr. Stone- 
man ^s home. Some came from his trusted lieutenants, asking 
what it all meant. Some came from those who recognized in his 
speech a change of purpose, and many were congratulations and 
thanks. But Mr. Stoneman could not understand why his sim- 
ple remarks, which were intended only for that congregation 
should cause such a stir in the business world. But there is 
nothing so sensitive as money, and business to make money. 
Mr. Stoneman ^s money was in many lines of business, and the 
companies in which he was interested were those whose stocks 
were largely bought and sold upon the exchanges. The uncer- 
tainty of Monday ran into Tuesday, and no authoritative state- 
ment came from Mr. Stoneman, denying, or modifying the 
printed reports, and there was nothing from anyone defining 
his future course as to corporations. Mr. Upham recalled what 
Mr. Stoneman had said in the Board meeting of the Steamship 
Company, and knowing his strong will and unyielding disposi- 


78 


THE CONVERSION OP JOHN STONEMAN 


tion when he once determined upon a course, this new break, 
as he called it, gave Mr. Upham serious thought, for Mr. Stone- 
man held control in many of the corporations, and the election 
of directors was not very far off. He hastily called a meeting 
of those directors in the oil company upon whom he thought he 
could safely rely, and the matter was there discussed in full. 
Mr. Upham said: ‘^We are now face to face with the most seri- 
ous problem we have ever had. Mr. Stoneman is a very old 
man, and like nearly all old men he is self-willed, and has lost, 
no doubt, most of his mental powers. What I heard him say, 
taken with his speech at the Cleveland dedication, convinces me 
he has become in his weakness fanatical, and there is no telling 
what damage he may do. He has been very sharp, to keep the 
voting power of the oil company and several transportation 
companies in his hands. In the past, this did no harm and no 
one cared, for he always gave his proxy to Father or some one 
else, but with a list of those he wished elected directors attach- 
ed, and as these men were always the right stamp, every thing 
went well. He may not change this year, and yet he may. I 
knew he put on the Steamship Board that young Hoover, whom 
I discharged for not obeying orders, and he did this after he 
knew Hoover had been discharged. This may have been an 
isolated ease, for I must admit we made a mistake in shipping 
Hoover, for he was a man we needed. But this is the point : Is 
it safe for us to take chances?’’ 

'^But what can we do?” asked one of those present. ‘Hf we 
ask for a receiver, it will kick up a big fuss.” would not 
think of asking for a receiver, for I know of no good ground 
for this,” said Mr. Upham, ‘‘and it would be ruinous to do it. 
If we could get his proxies, so worded that they would continue 
in force as long as he lives, that would be the best way, but who 
can get these ? Then again, what if he refuses to give the prox- 
ies? We must be prepared for this. Suppose we call his New 
York attorney, for he can do as much with Mr. Stoneman as 
any one, but to make sure, we must offer him a good fee if he is 
successful. ’ ’ 

This was agreed to, and a phone call soon brought a man 
about sixty years of age, smooth shaven, neatly dressed, of 
medium height, steel gray eyes, and with a little tendency to 
corpulency. The matter was laid before this Mr. Swisher, but 
in veiled language, and his advice was asked. 

Mr. Swisher knew the men he was dealing with, and saw 
there was money to be made if what they wanted could be done, 
but he had doubts about asking Mr. Stoneman for the proxies. 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


79 


as he had never done anything like this for Mr. Stoneman, 
and never had volunteered any legal services. 

Mr. Cogers said : ‘ Mn this matter, you would be our attor- 
ney and we would pay your fees.^’ 

‘‘That is a different matter,’’ said Mr. Swisher, ‘'and I 
see no reason why I may not undertake the business, and as 
the result, if successful, will be very beneficial, to you gentle- 
men, I shall want more than a paltry common fee of five 
hundred or a thousand dollars.” 

“Certainly,” said Mr. Cogers. “What sum, in case of 
success, do you want?” “This, I take it,” said Mr. Swisher, 
“is a private matter, known only to those present. My going 
to Cleveland to see Mr. Stoneman would not excite comment, 
because I have often called there, and if you gentlemen sign a 
letter employing me to do this, and agreeing to pay me in case 
I succeed, twenty-five thousand dollars, but in case of failure, 
only five hundred, I will do the best I can.” 

This was at once agreed to, and Mr. Swisher was to leave 
for Cleveland the next Thursday. After Mr. Swisher left, Mr. 
Upham presented the following resolution, “Resolved, That we 
employ Mr. M. L. Swisher to obtain from John Stoneman, 

proxies to vote his stock in the following corporations : 

in which Mr. Stoneman and we 

are mutually interested, and that in case Mr. Swisher is suc- 
cessful we will pay him twenty-five thousand dollars, but if he 
fails, his pay shall be only five hundred dollars, and further 

Resolved, That, in case Mr. Stoneman declines to give his 
proxies, we call a meeting to consider what steps may be taken 
to protect our interests.” 

This brought on a discussion as to what was best to be done 
in case Mr. Stoneman declined, and Mr. Upham said he knew 
of but one way, and that would be to have some court appoint 
a guardian or trustee for Mr. Stoneman, on the ground of his 
age and failing mental powers. He said this would be a very 
serious step, but it would not damage the business of the sev- 
eral corporations or influence stock matters to any great extent. 
He suggested that by a little careful work, one of the judges 
could be induced to appoint the right man as guardian. 

“But he has rich and influential relatives living here, and 
they will be apt to fight the application,” said one of the mem- 
bers. 

“That may be true,” said Mr. Upham, “and still I can 
show them it will be for their interests, I think. Mr. Swisher 
will be back Saturday, and next Monday will be the earliest we 
can meet, but we must be careful to not let any hint get out of 


80 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEM'AN 


what we are up to, and if Swisher fails, I will give him my check 
for five hundred and tell him we will drop the matter, for he is 
too friendly with Mr. Stoneman to be trusted.’’ 

The resolution was unanimovsly passed, and they separat- 
ed. Mr. Stoneman knew his men, and had taken steps to learn 
what was being done and whether there was treachery in any 
department. His private office in New York had been for some 
years removed somewhat from the general offices in the Oil 
Company. There was one room in the building occupied by 
the Oil Company, called the Assembly room, so situated that no 
ordinary sound, not even of loud talking, could reach any of 
the other rooms, and it was here secret plans were matured and 
financial moves developed. It was also in this room that all 
trouble in the Company was threshed out, and if the walls of 
this room could speak, they could give many a conversation 
which w'ould not look well in print. 

There were telephone connections with all other rooms, 
through a private exchange and there was also a private wire 
running to Mr. Stoneman ’s room not connected with any ex- 
change, but it could be switched on to the other lines or to his 
private lines. He employed his own electrician to put in his 
phones, but this, like all other phones in the office, was equip- 
ped with a switch so that when discussions were being held, all 
communications with outside rooms could be cut off, so there 
was no possibility of any one hearing at the other end of any 
of the lines. The putting in of the phone by Mr. Stoneman, 
excited neither wonder or comment and no one noticed that 
the isolated wires used were slightly larger than they generally 
were, nor did they notice that the telephone box and receiver 
were also a very little larger. All this no one but Mr. Stone- 
man and the electrician knew. 

There was one other fact not knovui. When ihe switch 
was so shifted, as to cut off Mr. Stoneman ’s phone, as was sup- 
posed, it made connections with another wire deftly hid, at the 
switch, which connected with a far more acute and important 
apparatus located in an inner room or closet, opening off from 
Mr. Stoneman ’s private office. This was the latest invention 
for catching the faintest whisper from long distance and regis- 
tering them on thin steel plates, so that in any common talking 
machine, the whispers and conversation would be accurately 
repeated and registered. Mr. Stoneman ’s room was strictly 
private, but this closet was never entered by any one but Mr. 
Stoneman, save when he was present, and no one would have 
seen any thing out of the ordinary in his telephone apparatus 
unless he had made very careful examination. The receiving 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


81 


instrument closed up like any small medicine cabinet. One of 
Mr. Stoneman’s secret agents got an inkling that this meeting 
had been held and notified Mr. Stoneman that Mr. Swisher was 
coming, and the object of his coming so that when Mr. Swisher 
arrived, Mr. Stoneman was on his guard. Mr. Swisher was al- 
ways a welcome visitor, and his reception was cordial. He was, 
however, hardly at his ease, and wished many times that he had 
not undertaken the task, but he was very frank with Mr. Stone- 
man. He told him of the fear on the part of the stockholders 
that he would, because of his age, be unable to appoint a proxy, 
and that an element of discord might creep in and that he had 
come at the request of certain stockholders. 

Mr. Stoneman said he appreciated their anxiety, that it 
was but natural they should feel so, and he would think the 
matter over and have it attended to before the annual meetings. 
This was all he would say, and Mr. Swisher knew it was use- 
less to press the matter farther and returned to New York that 
same evening. His report to Mr. Cogers gave no comfort, for 
Mr. Cogers knew Mr. Stoneman, and knew his words were likely 
made smooth and oily to quiet and mislead. On receiving the 
telegram putting him on his guard, Mr. Stoneman had tele- 
graphed for Hoover, who was in Pittsburg, to come to Cleveland 
at once, so the evening Swisher left, Hoover came. 

Mr. Stoneman closed and locked all doors so as not to be 
disturbed, and then said: ^^Mr. Hoover, I am in greater danger 
than I was from the mob, and I want your most skillful aid. 
They are trying to force me to give my proxy to vote my stock 
at all the annual corporation meetings. Swisher, my New York 
attorney, was here to-day and told me a little, but he did not 
tell me what I knew well enough was true, that he was em- 
ployed by the New York clique to come here to get my proxies. 
It is very important that I learn their plans, and there is no 
set of men, outside of the Oil Company, of whom I need be 
afraid. What I said at the dedication, seems to have upset many 
money makers, and I am informed there is to be a secret con- 
ference at 62 Broadway, on Monday evening, and I want you 
to attend, and bring me a report in full. The meeting, I am 
sure, will be held in the Assembly room. Of course, you can 
not be in that meeting, and there will be no reporters present, 
but I have things so arranged that you can hear all that is said, 
and can take record of this. No one but my man, Jacob Fritz, 
and this I may as well tell you is not his correct name, is to 
know what you do, and he as little as possible. He is keeper of 
my private office in New York, and he is a very smart young 

man, but he may not appear to be such when you first see him. 

6 


82 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEIVDAN 


Some five years ago, a young man called on me with a letter of 
introduction and wanted work. I was pleased with his looks, 
and being at that time in need of a competent guard at my of- 
fice, I questioned him and told him what I wanted. He sug- 
gested that he could do the work T wanted done, better if he 
acted the part of a ‘faithful fooP as he put it. He said he was 
nineteen, had taken his college degree in Germany, but talked 
as well French and English, but he thought it was better for 
him to go to work as an ignorant Dutchman for he could thus 
avoid being questioned, and could see and hear fully as much. 
He also thought this would save him a great deal of trouble. I 
was pleased with his plan, and told him so, but that it would be 
hard to carry out the character very long. He thought he could 
do it all right and I gave him the place and I am sure no one 
at 62 Broadway has any idea that he is any thing but the dumb- 
headed German he appears to be. He is as pure in his life and 
as good a Christian as I have ever met, and does not touch 
strong drink or cigars, but just as regular as clock work, when 
the hour for closing comes, a boy from a neighboring saloon ap- 
pears with a mug of beer, and some pretzels and gives them to 
Fritz, who always pays for them when everybody can see, and 
takes them to his rooms, which are my private offices, but the 
beer and pretzels go down the sewer and the mug is empty 
when the boy comes for it. This has had the effect to make all 
the help believe he is what he pretends to be: an ignorant, un- 
der witted German. When I am at the office, I send him on er- 
rands, and he is known to many as Mr. Stoneman’s fool, but this 
does not bother him a little bit. His folks live over in Jersey, 
but he has a friend who is in his secret, and after reaching Jer- 
sey, he goes to this friend ^s, puts on fashionable clothes and 
then goes home and into society, using as good English as any- 
one. When his visit is over and he has bade his best girl good- 
by, he calls at his friend ^s and emerges the same good natured 
num-skull as before. You must know that it takes a smart man 
to act this part for five years, but I have given you this descrip- 
tion for you will need help and must understand how to meet 
and work with him. There are some letter files, day-books and 
two ledgers, which I want taken out as quickly as possible, to- 
gether with all the papers in the top drawer of my desk, for 
there is no telling what may be done. But what I now care 
about most is some information as to a secret meeting of certain 
parties at the Company’s offices to be held Monday night, and 
I must know their plans so as to meet them. My fears may be 
groundless, but Mr. Swisher did not come from New York just 
for the purpose of visiting me. The closet off my private office 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


83 


can only be reached through my main office and is kept locked 
and no one can enter without the keys, unless he breaks the 
lock, and I have always kept the keys, and have never even 
trusted these to Fritz. Fritz understands very well that this 
room is not to be entered by him, and he has no idea of what is 
in the room. You will see on entering and closing the door of 
the closet that an electric switch is hidden behind a picture of 
Washington which is hanging on the wall next to the door, 
and by unlocking what seems to be a towel rack on the wall 
nearby, you will find an electric outfit. There is in a book- 
case, a box of steel phonographic register blanks thin as paper, 
and you will see these blanks will exactly fit into the machine 
on the wall. There is a telephone receiving attachment con- 
nected with this machine, so you can hear, and at the same 
time, the record will take what is said. I want you to take these 
keys, the larger ones are for the closet door and the smallest 
one for the cabinet, and get into my office some way on Sunday 
evening, when none of the office force will be there, and stay 
there until after the meeting Monday night. You will find that 
Fritz has, in a little back room, an oil stove, and you and he 
can live on what he can buy and cook for one day. You can 
have time during Monday to pack up the books and letters, etc., 
and send them to the express office, but express them to your- 
self, not using my name, and it will be safer to send the arti- 
cles in small packages, for if Fritz is seen with a small package, 
it will not excite suspicion, for I am certain he will be watched. 
In the evening, no doubt, a call will be made on the phone to 
know if Fritz is there, and he will answer as usual. They will 
then cut the phone off, and when they do this it will connect 
the receiver in the closet and put the machine in motion to take 
all that is said in the Assembly room, as soon as you turn the 
switch. Their meeting may be called for an earlier hour than 
eight o^clock, so you must be in the closet, with the door shut, 
and the switch turned, just as soon as they call Fritz up on the 
phone. If what you are doing is found out, it will be very dan- 
gerous for you, as they are desperate m.en, and will stop at 

nothing to carry out their plans. This electric machine is the 
very latest invention, and I bought the patent, so as to keep it 
out of general use for the present, and it makes no noise, but 
you will hear a slight tick, just before one register is full, so 
you can slip on another and the connection will be automatic. 
I have the reading part of the machine here, but be careful of 

the plates, though they are of the best, and get them here as 

soon as you can after the meeting. Mr. Hoover left for New 
York that night, but went through to Montclair. Mr. Stoneman 


84 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


had written Fritz to admit Hoover, and as Mr. Fritz knew him, 
there would be no trouble as to this, and Fritz was to expect 
him at twelve o’clock on Sunday evening. 

Mr. Hoover disguised himself by dressing in cheap work’ 
ing clothes, and also wore colored glasses. He left Montclair 
on as late a train as he could, and reached New York in time, 
but he saw one of Mr. Upham’s detectives at the depot, evb 
dently on the lookout for some one. But Hoover’s disguise 
served him well, and he reached the office and was admitted 
without trouble. The detective remained watching all the 
trains, till the next morning, and then went over to the home 
of Mrs. Barlow, and asked to see Mr. Hoover, but on being told 
that he was not there, but had left Montclair the evening be- 
fore, the detective became suspicious that Hoover had fooled 
him and he half guessed that the man in the working clothes 
and green goggles was Hoover. He at once called up the New 
York office and reported. 

Mr. Upham knew that Mr. Stoneman was too sharp and 
shrewd not to suspect something from the visit of Mr. Swish- 
er, and that he would take prompt and secret methods to find 
out what was intended to be done. He had kept careful tab 
on Mr. Hoover, and his Cleveland spy had reported Mr. 
Hoover’s arrival from the West, and departure for Montclair, 
and this was how the detective came to be watching for him at 
that station. When word came that Hoover might be in New 
York disguised as a workman with green goggles, Mr. Upham 
was alive, and put his detectives to work watching all places 
where Hoover might possibly call. It was not certain that the 
workingman was Hoover, but if not, where was he? 

Fritz went out on Monday morning as usual, but soon saw 
that he was being followed and watched, and on returning he 
was ordered to call in and talk with Mr. Upham a moment. Mr. 
Upham asked him when Mr. Stoneman was expected in New 
York, but Fritz answered: knows nottings of dot,” and he 

was so dumb and innocent in words and manner as to convince 
Mr. Upham that he had seen no one, and knew nothing. That 
afternoon, he received his mug of beer and pretzels as usual, 
and the door was locked and bolted for the night from the in- 
side. 

Hoover and Fritz had just finished their supper when the 
telephone rang, and Fritz answered it and he was asked if he 
could go over to Jersey City on an errand for the Company. 
He was told it would take him only two hours and he could 
make a dollar, and he answered, think I makes dat dollar 
ven I my supper eaten have.” Of course this sending Fritz to 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAiN 


85 


Jersey City, was a trick to make assurance doubly sure and to 
get Fritz away from the office. 

Mr. Hoover and Fritz then arranged for getting the 
things away without being discovered. Fritz was to go on his 
errand, and return as soon as possible, but he was to engage 
two autos, one to be in front of the Tribune Office at four 
o’clock A. M. the next morning and to remain there one hour 
if not called for before, the other was to come to the office in 
the morning at half past three. 

During the day Mr. Hoover had packed his books, letters, 
etc., all but the receiving instruments and receiving plates, but 
there seemed to be no way by which to get them out of the 
block, without being observed, for they knew the rooms were 
being watched, and while there was no law to prevent taking 
the articles, they might be delayed, which would give opportu- 
nity for the contents of the books, etc., to become known. To 
make sure of getting the things away from the offices, Mr. 
Hoover made up during the day, some dummy packages of old 
books and papers, that were good-for-nothing, and these were 
to be put into the auto that came first. 

Fritz left on his errand, and Hoover took up his station in 
the closet, with the receiver to his ear. He had not long to wait, 
before he heard some one come into the assembly room, and 
he was surprised that he could hear distinctly every sound. In 
a few moments he counted the entrance of nine, and one of 
these said, ^‘As we are all here now, let us to business.” When 
millionaires have business on hand, they brook no needless de- 
lay. 

The recording plates were ready and Hoover was glad the 
machine worked automatically and noiselessly, for he was in- 
tensely interested in the proceedings, though he felt somewhat 
guilty to be eaves-dropping. But he was sure it was not dis- 
honest, for certainly a great wrong was intended, and this was 
a good way to prevent it. He was indeed grateful to Mr. Stone- 
man for his kindness to, and confidence in him, and well he 
might be, for when Mr. Stoneman employed him, he was in 
bad financial condition, and he was glad to serve him, however 
difficult the undertaking. He heard read the report of Mr. 
Swisher, and it was unanimously agreed that it would not be 
safe to let matters rest longer. Mr. Stoneman was talked of 
as ‘‘an old man afflicted with senile mental derangement and 
totally unfit to name the directors or even to appoint a proxy,” 
but the method to be followed caused long and hard discussion, 
since some were for prompt and aggressive action, and others 
favored delay till the last moment. 


86 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


Mr. S. M. Overton said: ^‘Upham, it won’t be safe to at- 
tack the old man, unless you know in advance^ just what the 
court will do.” ‘^That’s about right,” answered Mr. Upham, 
‘‘and this should be attended to at once, but who will conduct 
the delicate investigation, and how much shall we stand?” 
Hoover could hardly believe his ears. He had heard and read 
of such things, but did not realize the enormity of the crime, 
as it now came to him. They agreed to stand five thousand dol- 
lars apiece, if need be, and then fixed on a keen but uncon- 
scionable law firm to bring action, which was to be started with- 
in two weeks. Then a matter came up which was of special in- 
terest to Mr. Hoover. 

Mr. Upham said: “Some of you may remember a clerk I 
had, named Jim Hoover I discharged him for refusing to obey 
reasonable orders, and in some way he got in with Mr. Stone- 
man, by some pugilistic experience, as I understand, and is now 
in his employ. One of my agents wired me from Cleveland, 
that this fellow had left the home of Mr. Stoneman, and pur- 
chased a ticket for Montclair. I know his best girl lives in one 
of Mr. Stoneman ’s houses, and think that she is dispensing his 
money in the way of charity, but I suspect that Mr. Stoneman 
has sent him East to learn how the land lies, and we must be 
on our guard, for Hoover is no fool. If we can get a trustee 
appointed of John Stoneman ’s property, the trustee can make 
Fritz open the doors of his private office and we may find some 
nice picking there.” 

“Why delay for the appointment of a trustee,” asked 
Overton, “Can’t we work Fritz to let us in, or if he won’t let 
us in, why can’t we get in any way?” 

“This may be a good idea,” said Upham, “but boys, we 
can not corrupt Fritz or get him drunk, for he only drinks one 
mug of beer a day, but we might put knock-out drops in this 
one mug some day.” 

This seemed a capital idea, and one of those present was 
delegated to see the plan carried out, and the next evening was 
fixed upon to investigate Mr. Stoneman ’s private office. 

Fritz returned, but not until after the meeting had ad- 
journed. He met Mr. Upham as he was starting away, who 
asked again when he had heard from Mr. Stoneman, but Fritz, 
as usual, was dumb and gave no information. In fact, he was 
a little too dumb, for it caused Upham to go back and give or- 
ders to the night-watchman to keep a sharp eye on Fritz and 
the rooms of Mr. Stoneman. 

Hoover did not tell Fritz anything he had heard, and as 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 87 

* iif 

I 

all things were packed, including the electric machine, and re- 
cord plates, there was nothing to do but rest till morning. 

Before the first light of coming day, they were up, dressed 
and the dummy packages were taken down by Fritz to the 
walk, where stood the auto delivery wagon. The three packages 
which were rather bulky were piled in and Fritz also, in a 
fairly loud voice said, ^'You drive us the Forty-second Street 
Depot to,^’ and away they sped. 

The watchman only caught sight of the auto as it was leav- 
ing, but he heard the order of Fritz, and at once rushed to a 
telephone and called up the Upham home and was told to go 
to the depot and stop Fritz and his baggage at any price, even 
if he had to arrest him for stealing. 

The gray of the morning was everywhere, but New York 
wakened slowly. Fritz went up as far as Twenty-first Street, 
when he opened the auto door quietly, and stepped out and 
stood on the step, closing the door, and as the auto slowed 
down to get by a jam, he jumped to the street and quickly 
returned to the Tribune Building where the other auto was 
waiting. 

It took but a few moments to load in all their packages 
and then a quiet order was given the chauffer to go to Jersey 
ferry, as fast as the rules would permit. This was done, and 
they felt more safe when the ferry boat reached the New Jersey 
side. Mr. Hoover, fearing accident or delay, called at the first 
express office and sent the record plates and electric machine to 
Cleveland, and then went to the depot, and boldly bought tick- 
ets for himself and Fritz, and they took separate seats in the 
early morning train, which was to start within ten minutes. 
But ten minutes sometimes make trouble, and it did here, for 
a policeman and detective came through the car, and arrested 
Fritz, on a charge of suspicion under orders from New York. 

The driver of the auto which took the decoy packages to 
the Forty-second Street depot, was quite surprised when he 
jumped down and opened the door, to find no one inside. Just 
then parties came forward, and took possession of the packages, 
and under orders from Mr. Upham, tore them open, to see what 
was inside, but they found nothing but old papers and worth- 
less books. Then they knew they had been fooled, and orders 
were given to have all out-going trains watched and Fritz ar- 
rested, for whom a good description was given together with 
that of the workman who was seen at Montclair. 

But Mr. Hoover was not now in workman's suit, and did 
not wear green goggles, and moreover, he was sitting in another 
part of the car, and therefore was not recognized or arrested. 


88 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEM'AN 


Fritz objected strongly to arrest, but managed to tell 
Hoover in French, as he passed him, to go on without him. The 
train pulled out, and Fritz was left, but the books, letters and 
papers so much desired by the clique were, in a few hours, 
safely locked in a Cleveland vault. 

Fritz was taken to the police station, and his dressing case 
and person searched, but nothing was found belonging to the 
Company. The hearing of his case was set for the afternoon, 
and when at two o’clock, the case of the State against Jacob 
Fritz was called, the court and attorneys were surprised to see 
Mr. Swisher step forward, as attorney for defendant, and 
Fritz himself was as much surprised as any one, for he had 
not thought it necessary to employ an attorney, and he never 
would have thought of engaging an attorney so aristocratic as 
Mr. Swisher, who had not probably been in a police court be- 
fore in thirty years. 

The state put witnesses on the stand to show that Mr. 
Fritz had engaged an auto to take some packages to Forty- 
second Street Depot, which packages proved to contain nothing 
of value, and that he had secretly left the auto, had returned 
to the room of Mr. Stoneman, and with another party, had tak- 
en other packages over the Ferry, and that all had beer taken 
from the Oil Company’s building, but there was no evidence 
showing what was taken. 

Mr. Fritz had, daring the day, been subjected to a sweat- 
box questioning, but his answers were such as gave no infor- 
mation and left the detectives believing that he was the ‘‘dumb- 
headest man that they had ever met,” or that he was a con- 
sumate actor. 

Mr. Swisher had a few moments’ private talk with his 
client, and showed the telegram from Mr. Stoneman, asking 
him to go over to Jersey City and defend Fritz. 

Swisher was sharp enough to see that Fritz was acting a 
part, and told him the better way now was, to drop that, since 
he had quit the offices for good and that the charges could be 
more easily met by a clear, frank and truthful statement to the 
court, so when the State rested, Swisher called Jacob Fritz, 
who was sworn. 

His first question was, ‘‘What is your name, age, business, 
and where do you reside?” 

It was answered in good English, “my name is Christopher 
Abermann, though I have for several years answered to the 
name of Jacob Fritz. My age is twenty-four, I am in the em- 
ploy of John Stoneman, and, until this morning, I have been 
making his offices my home.” 


THE CONVERSION OP JOHN STONEMAN 


89 


It was amusing to see the look on the face of Upham, Over- 
ton and the detectives, as they listened to the examination. Then 
they knew full well that many papers and books had been re- 
moved which they would gladly have kept, though they also 
knew they were the private property of Mr. Stoneman. 

In answer to other questions, the witness frankly told them 
he had received orders from Mr. Stoneman to help a Mr. Hoover 
pack and bring to Cleveland, certain books, papers, letters, etc., 
but he never saw the list and never asked Mr. Hoover what was 
in the packages, which Mr. Hoover made up while he was away 
on an errand for Mr. Upham; that he had nothing whatever to 
do with shipping or checking the packages; and that Mr. 
Hoover had written orders from Mr. Stoneman. 

‘^The state can question the witness,’^ said Mr. Swisher, 
and the Prosecuting Attorney cross-questioned very sharply 
on the deception used, but Abermann said he did this at the re- 
quest of Mr. Stoneman and he produced the written order for 
‘‘Mr. Jacob Fritz, real name Christopher Abermann, to let Mf*. 
Hoover take such things as he might think best from the rooms 
of Mr. Stoneman, and help Mr. Hoover in any way he could, 
then to lock the rooms and come to Cleveland, and report at 
number 16, Standard Block. The signature of Mr. Stoneman 
being admitted correct, there was nothing for the court to do 
but discharge the prisoner. 

By this time Mr. Hoover and his packages were out of New 
York state and Abermann took an evening train for Cleveland. 


90 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


CHAPTER X. 

When the packages containing the record plates reached 
Mr. Stoneman, he had the boxes carefully opened, and then ex* 
cused all but Mr. Hoover from the room. Mr. Hoover then 
placed the plates in order, and the proceedings of the meeting 
in Broadway, New York, were repeated with such accuracy 
that Mr. Stoneman seemed to be present in the room, and see 
as well as hear. But he was too much excited to remain quiet. 
He heard just how these money mad millionaires felt toward 
him. He heard Mr. Upham ‘‘damn him with faint praise’^ and 
then plan how to take all power and authority out of his hands. 
He learned this was not because of his age, or because he was 
in any way unable to do what he had been doing for years, but 
because Mr. Upham and his friends feared he might reveal the 
secret agreements with transportation companies, and interfere 
with existing contracts, politicians and courts, by which vast 
profits had come, and would continue to come to the large fi- 
nancial interests centering in Wall Street in which Mr. Stone- 
man held a controlling power. He heard too, how they all 
claimed to be only following the example and teachings of him- 
self. There was a vast amount of profane, vulgar and foolish 
talk, but the last plate which told what they were intending to 
do, startled, and shocked Mr. Stoneman more than all the rest. 

He knew judges could be bought, and that what they plan- 
ned was but what his system had taught. He knew unlawful, 
wicked and unjust proceedings were planned to be turned 
against himself, under the guise of law. When the evening’s 
doings had all been repeated, and the “good-nights” said, Stone- 
man turned to Mr. Hoover and asked, “What do you think of 
that?” 

“I think they are a set of scoundrels, and worse than 
thugs,” said Mr. Hoover. 

“I do not think I can blame them so much,” said Mr. 
Stoneman, “for I never set a high and proper example, and 
very much they say is true, but I must waste no time over spill- 
ed milk, and what I do must be done quickly. I shall want to 
see you here at 2 :30 p. m.^ to-morrow and I may want to use you 
in a way that will test your manhood, honesty and Christian char- 
acter. Do you think you can be true under all circumstances?” 

“Mr. Stoneman,” said Mr. Hoover, “I am only human, 


THE CONVERSION OP JOHN STONEMAN 


91 


and temptation may come which I may be too weak to over- 
come, but I am certain I have, as yet, done nothing that I am 
ashamed of, though I have no doubt been unwise, and foolish, 
and made mistakes, but I think I have manhood and religion 
enough, and Christian faith to keep me pure and true in any 
position of trust, in which I may be placed. I will admit, from 
all I have seen, I think riches might ruin me; that is, I can 
think of no other possible change in my condition which could, 
and yet I shall get rich if I can, and I believe by the help of 
God, I will be able to use wealth, and keep true to the faith and 
teachings of Christ.^’ 

^'My dear boy,’’ said Mr. Stoneman, ‘^keep to that reso- 
lution and make money honestly, but only for the purpose of 
using it for the good of others, and you will surely realize the 
greatest degree of happiness to be enjoyed in this world.” 

That afternoon Mr. Stoneman called in his lawyers, and 
private stenographers, and several very important documents 
were dictated. He had caused to be brought from his private 
vault at his bank, all his stocks in all the companies having 
headquarters in New York or adjoining states. This stock Mr. 
Stoneman endorsed in blank and had made up in packages, and 
labeled, showing the amount, number of shares in each certifi- 
cate and their market value less ten per cent. He had duplicate 
memoranda of these papers, which after careful comparison 
• and verification, he locked up in a tin box. 

The next day Mr. Hoover came promptly at 2 :30, and 
noticed that Mr. Stoneman was less vivacious than usual, and 
seemed quite preoccupied. After they were seated alone, Mr. 
Stoneman said: ^‘You know, Mr. Hoover, with what I am 
threatened. I might go to New York and defeat the villianous 
attempt to put a guardian over my property, for that is what 
it means, but I am not so foolish at my age, as to risk the loss 
of health and maybe life, so long as I can reach the same end 
in another way. I believe you to be honest and shrewd, and 
that you have ample physical strength I know, for I have seen 
you use it. This is my idea: if I do not own those stocks, they 
can not make any case against me, and won’t try. I do not 
want to injure any one, and I have too much pride in this, to 
do anything which will lessen the value of the stocks of these 
corporations. I now believe they can be conducted honestly, 
and make good money, and they must as rapidly as possible be 
changed in their methods. It was my purpose to do this as far as 
possible, in person, but the long years are weighing heavily 
upon my frame, and I can not bear and do what must be done. 
You are young and strong, and, I believe ambitious, and you 


92 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


can take this burden, and carry it for me. I have an offer 
which I hope you will accept, for it certainly is a good one, fi- 
nancially, for you. I want you to buy all my stocks in certain 
corporations, and we will make the sale legal in all respects. 
You have not the money, for it would take millions, but I will 
take your notes, and you can put the stock up as security, and 
I will agree that if the stocks fall in price, so as not to be suffi- 
cient to pay the notes, that you shall not he liable beyond the 
value of the stocks. This will give you the full voting power, 
and you will really be taking no risk, though I am sure you will 
find your hands, head and heart full, if you do the work well. 
This will he a surprise to Upham and his friends and will trip 
them in a way they do not expect. ’ ’ 

^‘But Mr. Stoneman,’^ said Mr. Hoover, ‘‘Mr. Upham will 
refuse to work with me. I have been told by one of the directors 
of the Steamship Company that he resigned from the Board 
because you wanted me put on as a director.’’ 

“That is not quite the truth, though he gave that as one 
reason,” answered Mr. Stoneman, “but you need not have any 
fear. Power will make a difference. When he learns that you 
are the true owner of a controlling interest in these Companies, 
he will not dare fight you. He may try to buy, or get enough 
stock from you to give him the upper hands, but if you are 
wise, you will not sell, and the agreement between us, as you 
will see, is that you will consult me before making a sale. You 
will be perfectly free to act as you think best in regard to direct- 
ors to be elected, but if possible, keep good friends with all, and 
make changes only as fast as seems really necessary. Please 
take this agreement and read it aloud so we can discuss and un- 
derstand it fully.” 

He handed Mr. Hoover a type-written paper, and Hoover 
began reading. The agreement was so simple and fair, and so 
generous toward Mr. Hoover that he could hardly finish read- 
ing. When the document was finished, he hesitated a moment 
and then said: “Mr. Stoneman, in this agreement you say you 
will sell me these stocks for ten per-cent less than their market 
value, and if they rise or fall below, this amount to be paid to 
be ninety percent of the value when payment is demanded, 
and that I shall till payment is made, turn over to you only 
ninety per cent of all income or dividends. Do you realize 
what this will give me?” 

“Yes,” said Mr. Stoneman, “and I realize better than you, 
the task you are to undertake. The reformation of great cor- 
porations is no easy task. It also means the changing of 
thought, habits and life of the public; for to-day the public 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


93 


conscience is ready to excuse all or nearly all that these great 
corporations have done, provided there is brought some small 
profits. If you do this work well, you will earn every dollar 
you get, even though it makes you twice a millionaire.” 

‘^Mr. Stoneman,” said Mr. Hoover, you can not tell how 
grateful I am, not so much, I believe, for the unexpected and 
undeserved wealth you offer, as for the confidence you repose 
in me. I have fears that I may not be equal to the task, or that 
I shall make mistakes, hut I shall certainly do the best I can to 
serve you in these matters, and my reliance upon Divine help 
is strong. I am truly thankful to you, and I shall ever think 
of you and follow your wishes in all respects, as far as I know 
them. ’ ^ 

doubt not but you will succeed,” said Mr. Stoneman. 
shall show my confidence in the schedule attached to this 
agreement, for you must take the several packages to the differ- 
ent Secretaries of the Companies, surrender the certificates, and 
take new certificates in your own name. You will see by this 
agreement that you are to bring to me the new certificates when 
issued, duly indorsed by you in blank. It will be necessary, 
I think, to have these transfers made as quickly as possible, and 
if you surrender these certificates, and have the stock in each 
company issued to you in one certificate, it will save much 
time and give less chance for rumor or scandal. As soon as you 
have had the transfers made, take the new certificates with you 
and secure an interview with Mr. Upham, and if he is not to 
be seen, then find Mr. Overton, and tell the one you find, that 
you have bought all these stocks. Upham will not believe it till 
you show him the certificates, and even then he may doubt, but 
he won^t push that suit, and if he does there would be nothing 
for the trustee to take into his possession. In my opinion he 
will, in the end, come to your terms, for he will see he must. I 
have written the Secretary of each Company that I want to 
transfer several of the certificates, and for the Secretary to 
have several certificates signed by the Presidents in blank so as 
to avoid delay. Here is a list of names from which you can 
pick directors for the different Companies, and from these you 
will make few mistakes. Those marked in front with a red 
cross are my personal friends, and you can trust them, but 
it will be safer, and far better, to have a talk with each, and 
understand exactly what the views of each are, on the subject 
of reform methods. You will find some, who will express sur- 
prise and who will say they can not believe that unbnsiness-like 
and unworthy methods have ever been used to crush rivals 
and increase dividends, and they may indignantly deny that 


94 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMiAN 


any such thing has ever been done. I am now satisfied that in- 
clination and desire have much to do with any wrong doing, 
and so to satisfy their conscience, they make themselves believe 
the large dividends justly earned. In the long and bitter in- 
vestigation made a few years ago, enough evidence was taken 
to convict more than one company of the many guilty methods 
used, but very few stockholders of the Oil Company, Eailway 
Companies, Coal Companies, or Beef Trusts, or other large cor- 
porations would believe the evidence taken to be true. There 
was one case, which illustrates what I mean, and is a fair sam- 
ple of the change in belief caused by wealth and a desire to in- 
crease that wealth. A man, whose name I will not mention, 
owned a small oil business, did faithful, honest work, in a quiet 
way, and got trade in certain kinds of oils, and was beginning 
to cut in on our sales, so we offered to buy him out. But he 
did not want to sell, and was ambitious to build up a large bus- 
iness. Steps were taken to ‘‘clip his wings,’’ as it is called, that 
is, hamper him in obtaining goods for filling orders, and induc- 
ing his help to get full knowledge of his customers. This soon 
proved to him that he could not make a successful fight against 
our company, and he agreed to sell, and he was forced to take 
our stock as pay for a large part of his pay. At that time our 
stock was below par and no one, aside from a few, thought it 
would ever be what it has been, and is to-day, and this man was, 
very angry because we forced him to take the stock. As a part 
of the agreement, he was to enter the employ of our company 
for five years as manager of his old business, but subject to our 
company’s orders. We kept him at work one or two years cut- 
ting off a little of his duties here and there, till he became very 
angry at the treatment, and resigned, and then there were not 
bad words enough in the English language proper for ^gentle- 
man to use to express his opinion of our Company and me in 
particular express his opinion of our company, or of me person- 
ally. But soon after, the dividends on his stock began to come in, 
and his tongue was silenced. He had nothing to! Bay. In a few years 
he was rich, purchased large properties, invested in large enter- 
prises, gave largely to charity, helped build churches, and 
became one of the strong but quiet defenders of our Company 
and of me. Now this man was of good education, a college 
man, I believe, and was present at my request, and heard the 
evidence that was taken in that investigation, but he refused 
to believe any of it, or if he admitted any truth, he had ready 
plausible excuses, and ingenious explanations, and yet I knew 
the evidence was true, in substance, and this man would have 
considered this evidence conclusive, if he had not been finan- 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


95 


cially interested in the Company. So now I think selfishness 
blinds us to the force of evidence, and but little good came 
from those investigations, because of this one fact: The laws 
passed forced a change of methods, but the results are about 
the same, and the most certain and effective way to curb the 
large corporations from perpetrating these wrongs on the pub- 
lic is by electing Boards of Directors, pledged to reform/^ 

The contracts were duly signed, the stock delivered to Mr. 
Hoover, and an evening train took him to New York. He called 
upon the Secretaries of the several Companies, had the stock 
transferred, but without the knowledge of Mr. Stoneman, left 
a few shares in his name, and then telephoned Mr. Upham to 
ask when he could see him. The talk over the phone was short 
and pointed. 

‘‘Hello, is this Mr. Upham 

“Yes, who are youU^ 

“My name is Hoover, and I would like to consult with you 
as to certain matters when you have time.^^ 

“What! Jim Hoover, whom I discharged?’^ 

“Yes, the same man.” 

“Well, I don’t want to see you, nor have anything to do 
with you, so good day,” and he rang off. 

Hoover was angry, but knowing the power he held, he 
felt he could afford to wait and even be magnanimous, and 
that evening he was in Montclair, where he was most warmly 
welcomed. 

Neither Mr. Hoover nor Alma was able to form a definite 
idea as to what would result from this new trust thrust upon 
him. That there would be hard work and vexation was clear, 
and there might be loss and disaster, if it were known that Mr. 
Stoneman had no longer any connection with the managements. 
True he had, in fact, done little or nothing in the way of man- 
aging these corporations for years, but the potency of his name 
was great, and the business world felt confidence in the cor- 
porations of which Mr. Stoneman was supposed to hold the 
control. 

The next morning Mr. Hoover was called up from the 
Waldorf Astoria, where he had taken rooms, and the party 
wanted to know when he would be back. 

Mr. Hoover asked who was talking, but the name given 
was no one whom he knew. The party said his business was 
important, and he would come to Montclair if Mr. Hoover was 
not to return to New York soon. Mr. Hoover thought it better 
to see the party away from New York, and fixed a meeting at 
the hotel in Montclair. 


96 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMiAN 


At the appointed hour, Mr, Hoover met a man of some 
thirty-eight years of age, with mustache and side whiskers, 
light blue eyes, and nearly bald. He wore gold rimmed eye- 
glasses, and talked with an English accent, though he was 
American born and educated. He gave his name as B. F. 
Yonkerman. 

Mr. Hoover took him to a private room, and after a little 
confidential talk, Mr. Yonkerman said: ^^Word came to several 
large corporations last evening that Mr. Stoneman had trans- 
ferred to you his stock, and the managers of these corpora- 
tions want to know on what terms you hold the stock, and what 
Mr. Stoneman ’s purposes are.’’ 

Mr. Hoover divined at once that this was a party sent by 
Mr. Upham and his friends, and that a bold bluff was being 
planned to get from him some statement, or admission, and 
answered: ‘‘Mr. Stoneman has not confided to me his plans, or 
intentions, and matters between Mr. Stoneman and myself are 
purely private, and personal, and it would not be proper for 
me to talk about them.” 

This was not satisfactory to Mr. Yonkerman and he said: 
“I do not wish to pry into private matters, but these great 
enterprises are more public than private, and those I repre- 
sent understand that a controlling vote of the stock stands in 
your name, or under your control, and the other stockholders 
have good reasons to be anxious as to who will make up the 
future Board of Directors.” 

“You say ‘those you represent,’ whom do you represent?” 
asked Mr. Hoover. 

This was a pointed and bold question, and Mr. Yonkerman 
hesitated before replying, but said: “I am not at liberty to 
give their names, but they all are large stockholders, and men 
of high financial standing.” 

“I do not doubt your statement,” said Mr. Hoover, “But 
you must see that I cannot talk with you, a perfect stranger, 
on business matters of so great moment. In saying this I do 
not want to be understood as casting any refiection upon you 
or that I refuse to discuss plans, or what may be for the good 
of the companies, with the proper parties, or their representa- 
tives, but this must be with the stockholders themselves, or 
some one I know to be fully authorized. You may say to those 
whom you represent, if stockholders, that I am ready to consult 
with them, at any and all times upon all important questions.” 

“But, Mr. Hoover, every one knows you are not rich 


THE CONVERSION OP JOHN STONEMAN 


97 


enough to purchase outright such large interests which must 
amount to many millions, and that Mr. Stoneman, in reality, 
is now as much the owmer of these stocks as he was before, and 
we want to know his plans.’’ 

Mr. Hoover arose and said: ‘‘Mr. Yonkerman, I can not 
continue this conversation longer. You may think as you please 
about my ownership of these stocks or the purchase of them, 
but the burden of proving T have not made a bonafide pur- 
chase will rest upon those who assert it, and they will have a 
very hard task. I am sorry you came so far for so little, but 
I shall be at my hotel in New York day after tomorrow and will 
see any party, or parties, who may care to call.” 

“Good-day, Sir.” 


7 


98 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


CHAPTER XL 

One of the Boston papers printed a telegram from New York 
saying that a petition had been filed in Court asking for the 
appointment of a guardian for the property of John Stone- 
man, but for some reason it had been withdrawn before the 
reporters could read it or take a copy; but the fact that John 
Stoneman had transferred his stocks, in some way filtered 
through financial circles, and a sudden drop in values began. 
The Oil Company organs, in semi-guarded language, denied 
that Mr. Stoneman had sold his stocks, and the Secretaries of 
the several Companies refused any information. The financiers 
of Wall Street were much frightened, and the European mar- 
kets felt the depressing effect, and American stocks and bonds 
were offered for sale. 

On reaching the Waldorf Astoria, Mr. Hoover found 
several letters and telegrams and he began to realize, just a 
little, the life of one reported rich, for there were cards, any 
number, and invitations to functions of all sorts, that he had 
not time to read. He found a letter from Mr. Stoneman giving 
suggestions in regard to meeting the present conditions, of 
which he seemed to be well informed, and also a note from Mr. 
Upham asking him to call, which, after the insulting close of 
the talk over the phone, proved to Mr. Hoover that matters 
looked more serious to the management than he had supposed. 

He answered this note and appointed a meeting at his 
hotel that evening, because there would be more time and less 
chance of interruption. 

The prospect of meeting Mr. Upham made Mr. Hoover a 
little nervous, for he had not met him since the day he was 
discharged, and he looked to find in Mr. Upham a most bitter 
enemy. When Mr. Upham arrived, a more friendly greeting 
could not have been desired, and Mr. Hoover had his first 
lesson in the mollifying effect of success upon personal likes 
and dislikes. 

The two men were equal in many respects, both had college 
training, both had stood high in athletic sports, and each was 
blessed with abundant health. But Mr. Upham was several 
years older, and had become a commander and leader in busi- 
ness matters about the time that Mr. Hoover began his prepara- 
tions for College and this gave him an advantage. But Mr. 
Hoover had kept his eyes and ears open while working for the 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


99 


Oil Company, and had gained much information while in the 
employ of Mr. Stoneman, so that when Mr. Upham called at- 
tention to the damage likely to result from the dropping out 
of Mr. Stoneman, Mr. Hoover was ready and asked, ^‘What 
would have been the result if a trustee had been appointed T' 

Mr. Upham was not one to dodge, where it would do no 
good, and said: ^‘Well, Hoover, that was a mistake, and as soon 
as I found you held the stocks, I called all that off. The only 
reason for considering the suit for the appointment of a 
guardian was the apprehension that Mr. Stoneman ^s age and 
new religious notions might cause him to elect Boards, which 
would adopt his fanatical and absurd notions, and thus upset 
the business of the country. You have not had the chance to 
learn very much about the inner workings and management of 
these large corporations, and I shall be very glad to assist you 
in any way I can. The important thing is, to elect Boards of 
Directors which will not change, and interfere with the man- 
agement any more than is absolutely necessary. 

have a list of the present Boards, and will be glad to 
look them over with you, and maybe we can agree as to whom 
we should elect,’’ said Mr. Hoover. 

This seemed to please Mr. Upham, and Mr. Hoover pre- 
sented a full list of each Board of Directors, as then organized. 
In checking them over, Mr. Hoover learned that very few of 
these named ever attended Board meetings, and that the busi- 
ness, in fact, was carried on mostly by executive committees of 
three or five. Mr. Upham pointed out several, who, while 
elected regularly each year, had never attended a meeting and 
Mr. Hoover asked why these were kept upon the Board, and 
was told that they were too thin skinned to do business, and make 
if pay, and yet loved large dividends, and so were left off the 
executive committees, but kept on the Board for appearance’s 
sake. 

Mr. Hoover checked the several names by marks he would 
understand, but passed them without further comment. When 
the names had all been gone over, Mr. Upham said: ‘^What is 
Mr. Stoneman ’s purpose as to electing the new Board?” Mr. 
Hoover answered: fear, Mr. Upham, that you do not under- 

stand that I now own the stocks heretofore standing in the 
name of Mr. Stoneman, or, at least, nearly all of them, and that 
Mr. Stoneman will not in any way interfere with the elections 
of Directors or the business of the several companies, though 
I shall be very glad to get his advice and help.” 

don’t see how you could purchase so many millions of 


100 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEM’AN 


stock, for I am sure you did not have much when you left the 
Oil Company,’’ said Mr. Upham. 

‘Mt is true, I had not much then, and I shall never forget 
the circumstances under which I left, nor the dark days that 
followed, hut it can help no one to know the private matters 
between Mr. Stoneman and myself, and if you and I can agree 
on men for Directors, that will be all we can do, for the several 
Boards will attend to the business of the several companies. 
There are, I notice, several vacancies on each Board, and there 
are several marked ^too old to attend,’ and it seems to me better 
to fill these places with live active business men, who can and 
will attend the Board meetings.” 

^Mt is dangerous putting too many new names on the 
Board,” said Upham. ^^This was just what we were afraid 
Mr. Stoneman might do. We have kept posted on his changed 
views which we think fanatical, if not insane, and if he at- 
tempted to apply those views to the management of the large 
corporations, he would ruin thousands. It was fear which 
caused us to take the step we did, but now that you control his 
stock, we can dismiss Mr. Stoneman and carry out our plan* 
on the quiet as usual. The safest and best way is not fill many 
vacancies, or elect new men in place of those who do not attend, 
but just put one in place of Mr. Stoneman and then elect all 
the old Boards and these Boards will elect the executive com- 
mittees and things will run all right if Mr. Stoneman has 
stepped out.” 

^^But is it best to drop Mr. Stoneman,” asked Mr. Hoover, 
^Mt seems to me wise to keep him on the Boards, and in exactly 
the places he has heretofore occupied. His name will add 
strength as long as he lives.” 

‘Wes, but will not the public expect, if he remains at the 
head of these Companies, that he will either in person or through 
others, carry out his notions, so that his new fanatical ideas will 
be adopted by these several Boards?” 

“This might in a measure be true, and is it not also true 
that some change will be beneficial?” said Mr. Hoover. “Of 
course,” answered Mr. Upham, “there are always some im- 
provements to be made and business must change to meet 
changed conditions, but I refer to the fanatical ideas said to 
be now held by Mr. Stoneman.” 

“I know but little of the inside management of any of 
these large companies, save the Steamship Company,” said 
Mr. Hoover, “and you must admit that this Company has 
been a success, and the ‘fanatical ideas,’ as you call them, of 
Mr. Stoneman have been lived up to in conducting the business 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAiN 


101 


of that Company. It has been in operation too short a time to 
say very much, but the stock is now at a premium and the 
freight and passenger traffic has increased both out and in. to 
such an extent that two more boats have been contracted for, 
and the profits of the business will pay for them. This is cer- 
tainly an argument in favor of his views, and may not a like 
method be helpful in other lines? 

know the Steamship Company has done well,’’ said 
Mr. Upham, ‘‘but has it done as well as it would have done 
under other management? Now take the oil business, and how 
much dividend do you think could be paid, if the business was 
run under Mr. Stoneman’s peculiar ideas?” 

“We may not agree on this subject,” said Hoover, “and 
let us agree if we can on the new members of the several 
Boards.” 

Mr. Upham did not wish to make any changes, and as the 
conversation drifted from one company to another, Mr. Hoover 
was made to feel that Mr. Upham could not forget, that at one 
time he was master and Hoover servant. No agreement was 
reached and Mr. Upham left in anything but an even temper. 


102 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


CHAPTER XIL 

The task undertaken by Mr. Knickerbocker was not as 
long, nor as difficult as he at first thought it would be. The 
creditors were only too glad when they saw a prospect of real- 
izing ready money, or what was as good. United States bonds, 
and the option to purchase was upon such terms as cheered the 
heart of Mr. Stoneman. Nor was the San Domingo government 
so hard to manage as were some of the greedy malcontents, 
who had infested that country, and who were ever ready to 
demand graft from every enterprise. But here was an enter- 
prise in which the petitioner gave all, and asked nothing, and 
they could not comprehend that any one would do so insane 
an act. When such men could not understand, and could not 
see personal profit coming to them, they knew no limit to abuse, 
and intrigue, and they did their best to baffle the carrying out 
of Mr. Stoneman ’s proposition, made through Mr. Knicker- 
bocker, and this opposition was as welcome as ignorance and 
defeated avarice could make it. But Mr. Knickerbocker had 
taken careful pains to have the true situation advertised 
throughout the island, and the natives were gratified, for they 
saw that it meant better times for them, though few could form 
any definite idea of the way these benefits were to come. After 
the governments had granted what was asked, and this had 
been practically approved by the President of the United 
States, so as to give the island governments to understand that, 
while the agreement was with Mr. Stoneman and a private 
Board, still Uncle Sam was behind, to see that the agreement 
was kept, Mr. Knickerbocker came to Cleveland and reported 
to Mr. Stoneman. The work had been arduous and perplexing, 
involving situations, but the intensely interesting, and at times 
amusing reports held Mr. Stoneman ^s closest attention till the 
evening was far spent. 

The next day Mr. Stoneman gave the necessary order to 
have delivered to Mr. Knickerbocker the millions of government 
bonds agreed to be paid, and this mighty transaction, so fraught 
with good, not only to that island but as an object lesson for 
the world, was quickly and quietly inaugurated. 

But Mr. Stoneman detained Mr. Knickerbocker for an- 
other day upon another matter ^of greater importance’ as Mr. 
Stoneman said. The next morning being bright and clear, Mr. 


THE CONVERSION OP JOHN STONEMAN 


103 


Stoneman invited his guest to take a ride in his ^‘Condor 
Flyer as his aeroplane was called. The machine rose grace- 
fully and to a considerable height, but Mr. Stoneman could 
not stand the light air pressure above 3000 feet. At that eleva- 
tion, the steamers on the lake, going and coming, make a most 
interesting panorama. 

They did not go to, but well in sight of Buffalo. A rather 
stiff wind had made the trip eastward a little slow, but the 
return over the lake was so rapid that towns and boats passed 
like a moving picture. 

After lunch Mr. Stoneman said: '^Mr. Knickerbocker I 
am looking for a man of special make and ability, to do a great 
work which I have in mind. You have helped me more than 
you know, and if money could pay you, I would gladly give it, 
but I will not insult you by any such offer. But this new work 
is beyond your physical powers, and yet I must have your help. 
I have in a general way determined to place my holdings in 
foreign countries, so as to be administered somewhat on the 
plan in San Domingo, but varied so as to meet the special 
needs of each country or nation, always keeping in view the 
greatest good to the greatest number. I want a man to visit 
these countries, who has education, tact, ability to judge and 
plan, and who has a standing at home, which will give him 
entree to several governments, so that what I now hold may be 
perpetually invested for the needy and suffering. I have con- 
sidered many men, but have not found one to just meet the 
occasion.’’ 

Mr. Knickerbocker thought hard for some time. He had 
m.et nearly all the great learned men of his time, but in each 
he found some defect. At last he said: ‘^Mr. Stoneman I know 
of but one man who has exactly the qualifications you need 
and he is one I am afraid you would not care to choose. He is 
now well past middle life, but as strong and healthy as a 
common man of thirty-five. He is, moreover, educated and to 
his school education he has added constant study and speaks, 
I believe, several languages. He has written many articles 
and some books, and some fifteen or twenty years ago, his name 
was in all papers and magazines.” 

'^What is his name?” asked Mr. Stoneman. ^Ht is Thomas 
Overman of Boston, Mass.,” answered Mr. Knickerbocker. 
^ ‘ Oh ! yes, I remember him, ’ ’ said Mr. Stoneman, ^ ‘ and I recall 
that he was very sharp in his charge against what he called the 
‘^System” and really I think he did much good, though at that 
time I did not believe he was a bit smart. He said little about 
me personally, and as I now look at the matter, I think he was 


104 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEM)AN 


right, though he need not have used such harsh language. I 
know of no good reason why he might not do this work. He 
is said to be worth millions, and may be glad to undertake 
what I want done. I certainly have no feeling of enmity or 
dislike toward him, and as he has lived and acted consistent 
with his writings, I think he will be safe and can be trusted. 
Since you have mentioned his name, I have been impressed 
with the great change which has come over me, for I never 
expected to hear that man^s name mentioned, without a feeling 
of hatred and dislike. I am glad that with me this is all gone, 
and I am sure he has nothing against me personally, and he, 
too, I understand, has been much modified and helped by years 
of experience; but how can he be reached?’’ 

can see him,” said Mr. Knickerbocker, for I must be in 
Boston on Monday next, and I can no doubt meet him at that 
time. ’ ’ 

‘‘That is very fortunate,” said Mr. Stoneman, “and you 
can explain to him a little, but tell him to keep mum.” 

So it came about that the most fearless enemy of frauds this 
country has ever seen, came, by invitation, to visit Mr. Stone- 
man. His welcome was most friendly and hearty and no one 
could ever have thought that these two men, years before, had 
been bitter enemies. Nor indeed had they been bitter enemies, 
in the strict sense of the term, but each had represented an 
idea and these ideas were antagonistic. 

When they were seated, Mr. Stoneman said: “Mr. Overman, 
you and I disagreed somewhat some years ago, but I have come 
to the conclusion that you were nearer right than I, and as 
there was nothing personal between us, I see no reason why 
you and I may not do honorable business together.” 

Mr. Overman replied: “I am glad, Mr. Stoneman, to hear 
you say that, and if as suggested by Mr. Knickerbocker, there 
is some way that I can help you, I shall be delighted to serve, 
and if in serving you, I help others, the delight will be greatly 
intensified. ’ ’ 

“That is good,” said Mr. Stoneman, “and now we will get 
to business.” 

Mr. Stoneman produced maps and schedules and a large 
amount of information he had gathered, which gave a very 
clear insight into the several countries and their needs, and 
these were sifted with great care. It would have been a 
pleasure to have heard these two men of large intellects and 
comprehensive minds, discuss the ways and means of placing 
money and property in nearly all the countries of the world, 
and doing it simply, and as matter of fact, as though opening a 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


105 


store or some common domestic enterprise. They were as much 
at home in placing the vast charities, as a common man would 
be in contracting for his winter’s coal. But there were un- 
known quantities, which only study and personal investigation 
could bring to light, so that their planning was, in a sense, 
general. Mr. Stoneman was anxious to have Mr. Overman 
understand all the facts, and he showed his delight when he 
found that Mr. Overman was as quick to catch points and as 
able to give suggestions, as though the plan had been his own. 

The middle watch of the night found these men at work, 
for the magnitude and grandeur of the idea grew upon them, 
and turned their nerves above the Morpheus line. As the silvery 
bell of the old fashioned clock chimed midnight Mr. Stoneman 
said: ^‘My! I did not Imow it was so late. This has been one 
of the most enjoyable days I have ever spent. We will now 
rest, and in the morning, if the wind is not too rough, I will 
take you for a ride in my Condor Flyer, and we can finish this 
on our return.” With this they bade each other good night, 
and retired, but Mr. Overman could not sleep for some time. 
The question of ‘‘How to do it” kept him awake. 

The next day a strong east wind, with rain, kept all in- 
doors, and prevented the promised ride above the clouds, but 
it gave good opportunity to consider and perfect plans. 

In some way it had become known that Mr. Overman was 
in Cleveland visiting Mr. Stoneman and telegrams and rush 
letters were received and reporters were not wanting. As no 
explanations were given the ornate guessing of reporters and 
editors made up for lack of facts. The stock market became 
feverish, at first declined, then rallied, and closed a point or 
two in advance. But certain ones were greatly troubled by the 
visit, for they knew that Mr. Overman had been very bitter 
against the financial methods of the great financiers, and had 
by his fearless attacks caused them much trouble, expense and 
loss, and had forced them to change their methods at least so 
far as could be seen, and what this visit portended they could 
not guess. 

A meeting of financial rulers was quickly called, and the 
situation discussed. It seems indeed curious, that so small a 
matter as the visit of one man to another, should cause the 
financial magnates of Wall Street such contortions. But Mr. 
Overman’s pen had dipped in truth, which was gall to the 
violators of human rights and they feared that M!r. Stoneman 
in his “deranged and fanatical condition” might divulge facts 
which Mr. Overman could use with terrible effect. It was 
determined that one of their number must visit Mr. Stoneman 


106 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN- STONEMAN 


and get from him his intentions, and at the same time learn 
all possible about Mr. Overman’s visit. The usual reporter 
method had been tried on Mr. Stoneman many times. Mr. 
Upham was chosen as the best one to send and the gathering 
broke up more depressed and quiet than had any like meeting 
for a long time. But Mr. Stoneman and his visitor went on 
with their plans, and by night everything was mapped out, and 
so far perfected that attorneys could draw the necessary legal 
documents to empower Mr. Overman to organize charitable 
societies or use those already organized, or in any other method 
carry out the desire of Mr. Stoneman. 

Mr. Overman was beyond all need of financial help, and 
even insisted as a condition of his undertaking this task, that 
he be permitted not only to give his time and skill without pay, 
but that he also pay his own expenses. At first Mr. Stoneman 
strongly objected, but finding Mr. Overman firm in his refusal 
to undertake the work on any other conditions, he yielded. 

Mr. Overman was to leave on the night train, so the two 
men talked very earnestly for a long time, though Mr. Overman 
refused to tell anything of that conversation until after the 
death of Mr. Stoneman when he wrote an article for ^‘The 
Aggregation Magazine” on ‘‘The True and False in Money 
Making,” wherein he told of this evening and we quote from 
this the following: “After dinner Mr. Stoneman led the way 
to his study and said he wanted a quiet talk for he had some 
things to tell me. He was wearied with the work of the day 
but his mind was clear and voice distinct, though rather weak. 
He began by asking me if I believed in the Christian religion 
and in Christ as my Savior. I answered frankly that I believed 
in a Supreme Being and that the religion taught by Jesus Christ 
was the best the world had ever seen, and that I had a high 
regard for those who tried to live the true Christian life. Mr. 
Stoneman said: ‘That is all right, but I know there is more 
than that, for when one reverently and faithfully obeys Christ’s 
teachings, he finds in his own spiritual conscience a knowledge 
beyond any scientific proof, that he is a member of Christ’s 
divine family. In my own experience, and it is of this I wish 
to talk, I can truly say I was converted, changed, turned 
around and made to see duty in another light. I had from my 
youth believed in the Christian religion, and felt it my duty 
and indeed a pleasure to contribute to the church. I had al- 
ways had the desire to make money, and to accumulate prop- 
erty. When a boy, if I had money given to me or earned by me 
I always thought how can I invest this to make more money. Most 
of my playmates thought first, “what can I buy with this 


THE CONVERSION OP JOHN STONEMAN 


107 


money to eat/’ or ^^what circus or show can I go to/’ but I 
cared little for these things and when I became older and 
started in business I could see where and how I could make 
money if I had capital, and some of the hardest and most dis- 
agreeable work I ever did, was asking and inducing men to put 
money into my company. They could not see what I saw, and 
many a good man turned me down. 

‘ ‘ ' It may have been good discipline for me, for I have had a 
sympathy for those who had skill in business but no capital, 
and many such a man have I taken into my employ, and put 
in a way to become rich. But there is one thing I did not 
understand until too late, and I am not sure that I fully under- 
stand it now, and that is of all the men I have helped, not one, 
as I now recall, became better morally. Some gave to charity 
a little, some helped their poor relations but their personal 
private lives were not made purer or better by wealth, and their 
children in many instances have not been any improvement 
upon the parents. 

^In all cases where the children have turned out well, I 
think there has been a good Christian mother. My company had 
hard up hill work at first. In that day there was little or no 
agreement or combination among the transportation companies as 
to rates, and there were no fixed freight charges that could not 
be altered, between the shipper and the railroad so that each 
shipper made the best bargain he could. I saw that if I could 
make special rates to the east, which would give my company 
a small advantage per barrel over all other shippers of like 
goods, it would amount to a large profit, both to me and the 
railroad. To carry this out it was necessary to make friends 
with certain officials, and this was done in the usual way. At 
that time and for years after, I saw no wrong in this. 

Mt looked to me like a shrewd business move, and any of 
my companions would have gone into the same thing had they 
thought of it. But this agreement as to rebates was the enter- 
ing wedge to many abuses, and out of it grew crime and dis- 
honest dealings on the part of the railroads as well as the em- 
ployees of my own company. It is no excuse to say that others 
would have done the same thing if they had thought of it, nor 
do I think it is a good excuse that the public conscience at that 
time did not look upon rebates as a violation of moral law. I 
had been educated in the church, had studied the Bible and 
knew, in a way, what Christ demanded of his followers, and I 
certainly must have known this was wrong, but I do not recall 
that the right or wrong was once thought of. 

‘ ‘ ^ The selfish desire to get the advantage of others, and to be- 


108 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


come richer than others, covered the whole scope of my mental 
and spiritual sight, to the exclusion of all else, and the resultant 
evils that followed came slowly, one at a time, and seemed the 
necessary outgrowths of large business deals; it seemed nec- 
essary to embarrass, hinder, and over-reach all who interfered 
with my plans or lessened my profits, or had a business which I 
needed to reach the best results for myself. 

‘ ^ ^ I now see this was all wrong, and grieve for all the wrong 
and unjust acts committed, and advantages taken. It is said 
that many men were ruined financially, that some went insane, 
and some took their lives. That some were ruined in business is 
undoubtedly true, and the rest may be true. But these things 
are taking place every day in other branches of business, and 
the successful business man will always force to the wall the un- 
successful and unskilled, for this is a law as fixed as gravitation. 
But so far as wrong on my part, or the part of those under me 
or connected with me, contributed to the loss, misfortune or sor- 
rows of others, I am truly sorry and would, if I could, make full 
amends. I have suffered very much in mind over the thought 
that I may have directly or indirectly done injury to my fellow 
beings. 

^It has been said, in written articles, and public speeches, 
that my example has corrupted the business conscience of the 
world, and that the frauds in the insurance companies, meat 
business, the transportation companies and such like industries, 
which a few years ago so aroused the public, all came from the 
example I set. I think you said this, in substance, but I cannot 
think this should all be charged to me. If my success prompted 
others to try, and if they suggested wrong methods to others, 
I am indeed guilty and most truly repent and am sorry. But 
it is not true, that no rebates were paid till I came into business, 
nor is it true that there were no frauds in business till I set the 
example. So far as I know, I have never been guilty of fraud, 
as I understand the word, but I know the power of example, 
and especially of successful business example, and others may 
have taken a cue from what I did, to attempt the same methods, 
but by ways and with results I would never have consented to. 
But as I said, if this is so, I sincerely regret it. 

^ ^ ^ There is one thing I am sure of, and that is, I never want- 
ed to injure any one. I wanted to succeed, and get those who hin- 
dered me out of the way, and may have forgotten the rights of 
others, and that they would suffer ; and for this, too, I am sorry. 
I wish you would say to the young men of this country, that it 
is my dying wish, and prayer, that they avoid all of my ex- 
amples which may have been wrong, and to follow only strict 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


109 


business methods by fair and honest dealing and to test all by 
Christas rules for doing business. 

‘‘ ^ There is another class of wrong to which I must plead 
guilty in some degree and that is the demanding of strictly legal 
rights, when justice and honest dealing would have turned the 
dollars the other way. Law can be so applied in the hands of 
skilled attorneys lacking in moral tone, as to do rank injustice. 

‘ ^ ' It seemed to, me that,, whatever I could induce courts to say 
or jurors to do, in my favor, was mine and came to me justly, and 
that I had no occasion to question beyond the verdict of judg* 
ment of the court. But I forgot that* judges and juries were 
but men, that their verdict or judgment in my favor was ob- 
tained by the evidence I furnished, and the attorneys I em- 
ployed, and the influence I exerted, or caused to be exerted. 
When I saw the light, I also saw that an unjust claim or de- 
mand is not made just by the finding of a court or by the ver- 
dict of a jury. I greatly regret all these things, and shall, so 
far as I can, make amends. But you can see I am not to stay 
here long, and I have given you these words so that my errors 
may be as much reduced as possible.’ ” 

This extract from Mr. Overman’s articles gives the clearest 
statement of Mr. Stoneman’s views and feelings of which there 
is any record. 


110 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEM'AN 


CHAPTER XIII. 

Mr. StonemaD was much exhausted after Mr. Overman left, 
and for several days was unable to be out, but he received some 
callers and among them was Mr. Upham. Mr. Stoneman had 
been informed of the intended visit, and also of its object, but 
he did not by word or sign show that he had such knowledge. 
Mr. Upham was received in a very friendly manner. 

The conversation at first was of a general nature, but soon 
turned to business, and in reply to Mr. Stoneman ’s question as 
to how dividends would show at the annual meetings, Mr. Upham 
said: ^^This has been a good year, and the profits have been 
large, but as you must have noticed, there has been a falling off 
in the values of some of our stocks, and it is because of this I 
came to see you. The strong financiers who have stood with us, 
and all those who are interested in our companies, are frighten- 
ed at the reports which are being circulated as to your health 
and mental condition. Of course those who know you as well 
as I, have no fear. But your turning the voting power of all, 
or nearly all your stocks over to young Hoover, has caused 
doubts in my mind, as well as others, as to what the future 
course will be, for I am satisfied that any marked change of 
policy from that which has been so long and successfully fol- 
lowed, will be very damaging to the business of the country, 
and especially to our investments. If you will designate as 
you have done in the past, those you wish elected directors, and 
appointed on the executive committee, all these fears will be 
set at rest for one year at least. It is not thought that young 
Hoover has had business experience enough, or that he is of the 
right stamp to vote your stock. 

Mr. Stoneman asked: '^Do you know who is back of these 
rumors and reports about my health and mental condition U’ 

cannot say as to this,’’ said Mr. Upham, ^‘but it seems 
to be the general opinion among business men.” ^^Yes,” said 
Mr. Stoneman, ‘^and possibly I can give some light,” and he 
arose, went to a table on which stood what looked like a cabinet, 
and turning back a cover, touched a spring, and the meeting 
in Mr. Upham ’s office, when the plans were perfected for hav- 
ing these stories published and set afloat, was reproduced. 

At first Mr. Upham did not understand what Mr. Stone- 
man had done, but when at the opening of the meeting, a speech 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


111 


he had made was repeated, and the names of others were called 
upon for remarks, he recognized that in some secret way, a 
phonographic report of that meeting had been taken. He did 
not wait for the full meeting to be repeated, but boldly said: 

see Mr. Stoneman you have a very expert system of spying 
out what your friends do and say, and I am in admiration of 
the skill shown. It is an old saying that spies and eaves-drop- 
pers hear truths they would prefer not to have heard, and I am 
sure the report of that private meeting is not over-flattering to 
you, nor will it be over-helpful to the spy if I catch him. But 
this closes our conference, and now I want to know, so I can 
tell those who send me, what you intend, as to the management 
of the several corporations in which you hold the practical con- 
trol. I admit that the language used at the meeting was not 
over polite or nice and not in any marked degree complimentary 
to you, but the truth was told and that is the real thing after 
all.^^ 

Mr. Stoneman was slow in answering, but at last he said : 
‘^Mr. Upham, I did not think a company of educated men, who 
even called themselves reflned, would so degrade their manhood 
as to use such vulgar, profane and abusive language. It 
is not because they said it of me, for I really care no more 
for it so far as it affects myself, than I do for the barking of 
a yellow dog which runs after my auto. But here are men 
holding high positions in state and flnancial circles, and some 
in church, and yet they must be rotten at heart, or they could 
not so far forget themselves. You came here representing these 
parties, and in all kindness I must say, that I have nothing to 
send by you, and do not care to have any intercourse directly 
or indirectly with those you represent. No doubt the wine and 
champagne drunk are responsible for much, but why did they 
drink? You are out of your sphere when you associate with 
these men, for you, by nature and education, know such things 
are wrong. I have no word to send. What stock I once owned 
is now owned and will be voted by Mr. Hoover, but I cannot say 
how he will vote and I certainly shall not dictate how he shall 
vote. ^ ^ 

Mr. Upham thought he could play a bluff, and said: ^‘But 
Mr. Stoneman, we all know that Hoover never had $5,000 in his 
own right, and that he could not, and did not buy your millions 
of stock, and that putting it in his name, is only a pretense, as 
we expect to prove in court, if we are forced to do it.’’ 

Mr. Stoneman was roused at this and said: ‘‘And whose 
business is it Mr. Upham, if I choose to sell my stock to Mr. 
Hoover for $5000, or even if I choose to give it to him ? Surely 


112 


THE CONVERSION OP JOHN STONEMiAN 


neither you, nor those you represent can question that, and my 
family never will, so you and your friends will think twice be- 
fore commencing any court foolishness. The sooner you and 
your friends realize that Mr. Hoover is the bona fide owner of 
the stocks I once held, the better it will he for all, and I trust 
you will all join in the election of only good men upon the sev- 
eral boards. I do not want to be rude, Mr. Upham, but I think 
I cannot continue this interview longer and will say good after- 
noon.’^ With that Mr. Stoneman arose and left the room, and 
Mr. Upham, without another word, departed. 

Soon after the visit of Mr. Upham, Mr. Hoover came to 
consult Mr. Stoneman, and he deposited the stock certificates 
in Mr. Stoneman ’s bank, but they were all in the name of Mr, 
Hoover, though he had indorsed them in blank. Mr. Hoover 
was surprised at the knowledge Mr. Stoneman possessed of the 
different men he suggested as directors, and full lists for the 
several companies were agreed upon and the members of the 
executive committees were also fixed, but the rights of the 
minority were carefully respected. 

As the fall weather came on the health of Mrs. Barlow be- 
gan to fail and Alma became greatly concerned. The physi- 
cians found no organic trouble but Mrs. Barlow seemed ex- 
hausted and fading away. She called Alma to her one day and 
said: ‘‘My daughter, I think I shall not be with you long, and 
I should feel much better, in mind, if you were married and 
settled before I go. Don’t you think the wedding would better 
take place soon?” Alma was in tears at the thought of losing 
her grandmother, and answered: “Grandma, you must not talk 
or think of dying. I cannot let you go. You are all I have, but 
if it will make you easier, we’ll talk it over and I have no doubt 
James will only be too glad to have me set the day. In fact 
he has urged this for some time. ’ ’ 

And so it came to pass that when chill November winds 
began to blow, Mr. Stoneman received a letter from Alma, ask- 
ing his presence at a quiet wedding in the home at Montclair. 
Only a few dear, dear friends were invited, but that the wed- 
ding was to take place was generally known, and while very few 
of New York’s moneyed men believed that Mr. Hoover really and 
truly had purchased Mr. Stoneman ’s holdings, yet all felt it 
wise to be on good terms, until a favorable time came to crush 
him. To show their appreciation they sent presents, costly 
gifts, such as wealth alone can afford. 

This quiet wedding was much talked about and written of, 
so much did the semblance of wealth attract. A few of the 
gifts however were prized because of the givers. Mr. Stoneman 


TH53 CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


113 


was too feeble to attend, but as his gift he sent Alma a deed of 
the house and lot where she and her grandmother were living. 
His letter accompanying the deed was prized fully as much as 
the gift. Years have passed, and its value has increased until 
no money could purchase it. By special permission a copy is 
here given and fac-simile would have been given but this was 
not permitted. 


My Dear Daughter Alma: — ^You cannot tell how much I 
wish I was younger, so I could attend your wedding and give 
away the bride. But my many years and uncertain health tell 
me that such joys are for me no more. Still I rejoice in the 
knowledge that you are to get so good a husband and he the best 
wife in the world. I cannot be present to kiss the bride, but 
you must save mine until you and your husband visit me, 
which I trust you will do as part of your wedding tour. 

May I make a suggestion? Start out living right. Have 
morning family worship without fail. Never forget that you 
both are human, and that each may be wrong. If you deter- 
mine to never think the other intends to wound or hurt, love 
will show the right way, and the spirit of Christ will make even 
life ’s sorrows blessings. Take Christ as your ever present 
friend, and never let greed of wealth, ambition for position or 
anything else tempt you from strict obedience to his commands. 
You know how I regret having failed in this. Be wise, be true, 
and life will be for you both more than it has been to me. My 
prayers are for your good, and I remain. 

Your true adopted father, 

John Stoneman. 


8 


114 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


CHAPTER XIV. 

The time for holding the annual stockholders’ meeting was 
near, and the financiers were in a fever of nervousness, for from 
their education and their view point large dividends could only 
be made by underhanded methods. They summed up the good 
in life by multiplied dollars, and the false views they held were 
largely the result of education. 

Alma had engaged a friend to stay with Mrs. Barlow, while 
she and her husband were upon their wedding trip, and Mr. 
Hoover and his wife both from inclination and policy, decided 
to first visit Mr. Stoneman and then go on to Southern Califor- 
nia. The first night they came to the St. Kegis. Just as they 
were about retiring a man called at the hotel and sent up his 
card asking to see Mr. Hoover, and when that gentleman went 
to the reception parlor he was served with summons in the 
case of James Quiggs,” on his own behalf and on the behalf 
of a large number of the stockholders of the Consolidated Oil 
Company, against John Stoneman and James Hoover. Mr. 
Hoover knew at once that some trick was being attempted, to 
force him to give proxies or agree to vote as the clique wanted. 

He had no idea that the action brought could be maintain- 
ed, though he could guess the nature of the petition, but he 
went to his rooms and called up Mr. Swisher. This lawyer 
knew all the tricks a New York law firm could play, but this 
case was a puzzler. The writ showed that a temporary restrain- 
ing order had been allowed forbidding Mr. Stoneman or Mr. 
Hoover giving any proxy or proxies or making any transfer of 
the Oil Company stock. Mr. Swisher went to the clerk of the 
court, and soon had a copy of the petition, and came to the 
hotel. The allegations of the petition were many of them only 
guess work, and some upon information and belief, but taking 
all that was said, there were not enough to make a case. IMr. 
Swisher knew the judge who had granted the restraining order, 
and he advised Mr. Hoover to let the case go by default in the 
lower court, and at once appeal, and then demur. The plan of 
the clique was to tie Mr. Hoover’s hands until after the annual 
meetings and force him to some kind of a compromise or let 
the annual election of directors go by default, when the old 
boards and officers would hold over, and they could prevent the 
calling of an extra stockholders’ meeting. It was fully expect^'d 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


115 


that Mr. Swisher would move to dismiss, or would demur to 
the petition, thus giving good chance for delay. But he was too 
shrewd an attorney to do this, for he wanted to get the case be- 
fore a court he could trust. 

The bringing of this suit, cut short the wedding trip. Mr. 
Stoneman was much excited when he learned of the suit, and 
insisted that his deposition be at once taken. But Mr. Swisher 
declined to do this, for he said he could throw them out of court 
without evidence. The next morning the subsidized press had 
reports and copies of the petition in full, editorials attacking 
Mr. Stoneman and accusing Mr. Hoover of attempting to de- 
fraud, and mislead an old man in his dotage, who could not 
protect his own interests. Conversely, some claimed that Mr. 
Stoneman was at his old tricks and trying to gobble the control 
of the corporations for his own personal advantage, that his 
dedication day remarks, and all he had of late said, suggesting 
a change of heart, and promising better in the future, were 
but tricks to mislead. They mentioned Mr. Hoover with slighting 
remarks, and contemptuous slurs ; saying he was an adventurous 
tool, used by John Stoneman to carry out his selfish plans. 

The three leading newspapers, under the control of Upham 
and Overton, were more bitter and libelous than any others, for 
they printed cartoons too scurrilous for any decent paper. Mr. 
Hoover at once had the editors arrested for criminal libel. Mr. 
Swisher took this course as the shortest and most efficient meth- 
od of shutting off this abuse. These proceedings greatly dis- 
turbed Mr. Stoneman, but he had full confidence in ]\Ir. Hoover 
and Mr. Swisher, and many of the papers and magazines came 
to his defense. Hoover and Swisher were interviewed many 
times, but both were cautious and little was said and nothing 
disparaging of their enemies. 

Mr. Hoover’s history was followed from his birth, and many 
things complimentary were magnified beyond all truth. His 
fight for Alma and Mr. Stoneman was repeated with enlarge- 
ment and embellishment, and his education and culture were 
lauded far beyond his wishes or the facts. By the time the 
criminal cases were ready for trial a compromise and settle- 
ment were asked by the defendants and Mr. Hoover and his at- 
torney saw that if a settlement was made in the right way, it 
would accomplish more than a conviction. Mr. Swisher told the 
attorneys for the defendants that his clients would, if the state 
consented, take $5,000 in each case, provided a proper retrac- 
tion was published editorially in each of the three papers. These 
were very hard terms for Upham and Overton to swallow, but 


116 


THE CONVERSION OP JOHN STONEMAN 


under the circumstances they were reasonable, and were so con- 
sidered by the attorneys for the defendants. 

Mr. Upham made things very lively for a time. He saw 
that if the newspapers were stopped from slandering Mr. 
Hoover, and he was unmolested in taking the place of Mr. 
Stoneman, Mr. Hoover would become too influential and a new 
order in business might obtain. But his attorneys insisted that 
there was absolutely no evidence to substantiate the allegation in 
the published attacks, or to maintain the suit to enjoin his vot- 
ing the stock, and that these statements, if untrue, were clearly 
libelous, and that the settlement offered was as fair as could be 
expected. 

When the meeting of the stockholders of the Oil Company 
was called to order, and the reports of the officers read, the 
chairman said the next business in order was the election of di- 
rectors for the ensuing year. It had been the custom at these 
meetings to appoint a nominating committee, one of whom 
would be the holder of J ohn Stoneman ’s proxies, and those nom- 
inated were sure of election. Upham and Overton had hit on 
a plan they thought would keep the present board in power, 
and this was to elect a nominating committee of certain mem- 
bers who would report as directed. Mr. Upham moved, as was 
the usual custom, ^Hhat Messrs. Jones, Smith and Brown be 
appointed a committee, to nominate directors for the ensuing 
year.’’ This was seconded by Mr. Overton, but before it was 
put to vote Mr. Hoover addressed the chair and said : ‘ H am 
not as old as most of the stockholders present, and make no 
claim that I understand the methods of this company, or the 
way it should be conducted, but it seems to me better to let the 
stockholders have a fair chance to express their choice by bal- 
lot, instead of a nominating committee, which I believe to be in 
violation of the constitution and by-laws of the company. Nom- 
inations can be made openly, and then each stockholder can vote 
as he thinks best. I move as a substitute for the motion, that 
fifteen stockholders be nominated, and that from these we elect 
directors by ballot.” This motion was promptly seconded, 
which was a severe set-back for Upham and Overton, and their 
faces showed their deep disappointment, but they controlled 
themselves and Mr. Upham said: see no reason why, at this 

time, we should depart from our long time usage and method. 
If the committee reports a list, and any stockholder is desirous 
of having another name on the list, he can move a substitute, 
and the whole list reported can be changed.” 

At this an old man who had been attending the stockhold- 
ers’ meetings for several years but who had never said a word. 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


117 


arose and addressed the chair. He said: have been coming 

to these annual meetings for some years, and I have never seen 
a board of directors fairly and honestly chosen. This nominat- 
ing committee way is a fraud, for when the report comes in, 
no stockholder wants to insult another stockholder, by moving 
to strike his name off and substitute someone else, while if fif- 
teen or twenty names are nominated in open meeting, we can 
all vote as we please, and those getting the highest vote will be 
elected.’^ A large majority of the stockholders present had 
never taken any part in running the company and were not 
pledged to any line of action or set of men, and the motion of 
Mr. Hoover seemed reasonable and on vote was substituted for 
the motion of Mr. Upham, and then was unanimously adopted. 
The chairman called for nominations, and there was silence for 
a moment until Mr. Hoover nominated Mr. Upham. This was 
a great surprise to Mr. Upham, for he looked upon Hoover as 
an enemy, and to get even Mr. Upham nominated Mr. Hoover. 
But Mr. Hoover declined and said he would prefer to have older 
men and men of more experience on the board, and would be 
much pleased if Mr. Upham in place of his name would nomi- 
nate John Stoneman. The stockholders -clapped their hands at 
this, so Mr. Upham nominated Mr. Stoneman. Then the nomi- 
nations came thick and fast. More than half had never been 
elected or even nominated before. However the stockholders 
insisted that Mr. Hoover’s name should be placed on the list, 
and when the nominations were closed, it was found that twen- 
ty-one instead of fifteen had been named and a motion was 
made to let these all stand and a ballot was taken, which re- 
sulted in electing a full board including Mr. Stoneman, Mr. 
Upham, Mr. Overton and Mr. Hoover. Just how the board 
stood was a puzzle to Mr. Upham, but Mr. Hoover knew that a 
majority were good, honest men, who would insist on fair deal- 
ing. The directors elected met at once in an adjoining room for 
organization. After being duly sworn in Mr. Hoover moved 
that Mr. Stoneman be elected president, not because he could 
not attend the meetings but as a compliment to him. This was 
agreed to and then came the first vice-president, who would be 
the real acting president. Mr. Hoover had selected a certain 
man, a member of the old board who was well posted in the 
company ’s business, but who had not been trusted with the man- 
agement of any part, so that he was well fitted to take the posi- 
tion. This nomination he promptly made, when Mr. Overton 
named Mr. Upham for the same office. A vote was taken and 
Mr. Hoover’s man was elected. Mr. Upham was given the 
next place which he promptly declined. The other offices were 


118 


THE CONVERSION OP JOHN STONEM'AN 


then filled. The business of the company had been largely con- 
ducted through an executive committee, and Mr. Hoover moved 
that certain members whom he named constitute this commit- 
tee, but he was wise enough to include Upham and Overton. The 
chairman of this committee was the first vice-president. This 
annual election of the Oil Company was the most notable of any 
that had taken place in the financial world for a long time. 
False reports of the meeting were circulated, and reporters and 
artists drew upon their imaginations to picture, in words and 
cartoons, battles and disagreements which never took place. Prac- 
tically the same course was taken in the other large corporations 
and soon the executive committees, backed by friendly boards, 
were quietly changing old methods, and rebates and special fa- 
vors were, very largely things of the past. But this was not 
without loss and sorrow to many, and much friction resulted. 

The holders of stock, who had fattened their bank accounts 
through the ill-gotten dividends, were greatly frightened and 
much stock was offered for sale, Vvhich lowered prices until Wall 
Street was in nervous terror, for fear of another Black Fri- 
day.^’ Shake confidence in money matters, and a panic is pret- 
ty sure to follow. The new order had not gotten fairly under 
way, before financial trouble was in the air. No long establish- 
ed order of money making, however wrong, can be over- 
thrown without suffering and sorrow. The panic was not like 
that of 1873 or indeed 1893, nor equalled that of 1918, but 
prices kept falling and firms and banks failed, though by a slow 
process, and not so simultaneously as to suggest that they came 
from one cause. This new order was roundly abused by the 
system, but the people and the general press realized that it 
costs something to overturn great wrongs, and looked upon the 
losses and sufferings of the money power with much compla- 
cency. 

The crops of 1923 were far above the average and no extend- 
ed panic can take place with the granaries well filled, so that 
by May, 1924, business on Wall Street and the stock markets of 
the country generally was active. When the leading stocks 
reached a very low ebb ]\Ir. Stoneman advised Mr. Hoover to 
purchase certain stock and to use what money he needed for 
that purpose, but not to do this in any way to disturb the mar- 
ket. By doing this, when the market rose, Mr. Stoneman and 
Mr. Hoover were much richer. Mr. Stoneman was greatly in- 
terested in the course financial matters were taking, and for a 
time seemed drifting back to the money making way, but it was 
only the spasmodic return of his money making instinct, and he 
at once sought ways and means by which he could use his gains 


THE CONVERSION OP JOHN STONEMAiN 


119 


to benefit his fellowmen. He had already made in the chang- 
ing of stock values, nearly as much as he had given away, not 
including his San Domingo investments, and he felt conscience 
smitten, that he was not investing his money in charities more 
rapidly. 

Mr. Upham retired as did several of his class from manage- 
ment of the large corporations, and spent his time in looking 
after investments, speculating in stocks or in foreign travel. 
The new order proved profitable, and while very large dividends 
were not paid, they were large enough to make stocks desirable 
and gave good returns to investors. Very much that Mr. Stone- 
man did was kept from the public, and very little information 
could be obtained as to his charities. When the San Domingo 
matter became public, very many articles and editorials were 
printed, questioning the wisdom of such charity, and doubting 
indeed if it was a charity. Some writers claimed that there was 
evidence that back of all was a large financial scheme. The 
New York Herald sent two of its best reporters to thoroughly 
investigate, but neither reporter knew that the other was going, 
and their instructions kept them entirely apart, so that their 
reports could not in any way be mixed up. But the most careful 
investigation failed to find anything but good in the plan, and 
they both reported that a careful study of all papers, laws and 
agreements, relating to John Stoneman’s gifts, showed a clear 
insight into the needs of the people, and that this benevolence 
would do them more lasting good than anything that had here- 
tofore been attempted. These reports had a good effect, and 
largely changed the opinion as to Mr. Stoneman. But it is not 
easy to recast a life-long reputation. 

The people, from years of education, had formed an opin- 
ion of John Stoneman, and this could not be revolutionized or 
changed by one gigantic act of charity. The common every day 
mind cannot grasp the large gifts as charities. There are so 
many selfish motives which may prompt the large donations, 
and yet be hidden from public view. Pride, in being acknowl- 
edged a benevolent man, when in fact one is far from this and 
does not intend to change ; the desire to rule or control an insti- 
tution or enterprise; the expectation that the gift will bring 
large returns in business or position, and many other motives 
may be back of the large gift. It is the small help to a neigh- 
bor in trouble, the support quietly given in small charities, and 
efforts to succor those who really need assistance, that touches 
the public sympathy. A dollar, here and there, with sympathy 
and love, is understood, and if to this is added larger benevo- 
lence, there is no misunderstanding, for the life and gifts arc 


120 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEM'A'N 


harmonious. Quite a number of men and women objected to 
accepting the gifts of Mr. Stoneman’s apartment houses, on the 
ground that the money with which they were built was ‘^taint- 
ed,'’ and in several cases the Y. M. C. A. and the Y. W. C. A. 
Boards, came very near declining to take any part in the gifts, 
or to assume the responsibility of appointing trustees as requir- 
ed by the deeds of gift. Fortunately, public opinion was 
strong enough to prevent any such error, but these incidents 
saddened Mr. Stoneman. 

On one of his sad days he wanted to see Amanda, and learn 
how she was doing, and so he dressed in rough clothes, and in 
an old buggy drove to her home and learned that she had gone 
to visit some one on the hill near the hay market, and he drove 
over there, left his buggy and walked along the street. His step 
was slow and age showed itself in his walk, but he was a keen 
observer, and the dirty ragged children touched him deeply. 
He stopped several times, turning around and looking at the 
buildings, the dirt, the squalor, the ever present saloon, and 
wondered what could be done to change these conditions. Just 
as he was about to be pelted with mud, and stones, by a group 
of hoodlum urchins, who, in spite of his poor clothes, saw 
through his disguise and that he was other than one of their 
class, Amanda happened to come along, and recognizing him 
said, ^‘Laws Massa Stoneman. what you doing down hereT’ 

He said: came because I wanted to see for myself, be- 

fore I died, just how you did things.’’ 

^^Well honey, this is no place for you, still as you’re here 
and wan’t to see, you come with me.” The young hoodlums 
stood back in awe of Aunt Amanda, as she led the way between 
the two houses, back to another house in the rear, if house it 
could be called, for it was an old stable fixed over very little. 
The filth was sickening, and that anyone could live there sur- 
prised Mr. Stoneman. There was but one room, and in this a 
man in the last stages of consumption, his wife down with brain 
fever, and three children, the oldest but ten and the other two 
younger, playing or quarreling upon the floor. 

Mr. Stoneman asked Amanda what she was doing for them, 
and she said: feed the little ones, and hired a good doctor 

but I can’t get anyone to nurse in such a place.” 

^‘The man should be taken to the tuberculosis hospital and 
the woman to one of the city hospitals. Can you have this 
done?” said Mr. Stoneman. ‘^Sure, I can,” said Amanda, ‘‘but 
laws, it will cost lots.” 

“Don’t stop for the costs,” said Mr. Stoneman. “You 
know I told you not to be afraid of spending money,” and by 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


121 


night the children were in the home on Detroit Avenue, and 
the mother in Charity hospital, and the husband in the other 
world, for he died that afternoon as they were trying to remove 
him. But this was only one case, and Mr. Stoneman knew there 
were many more in Cleveland, and in all other cities, yet he 
could not personally hunt them up. His feelings were greatly 
stirred, and he gave the matter much thought, and came to the 
conclusion that the saloon was the greatest cause of all this vast 
squalor and suffering. 

He called in Mr. Backus, his own pastor, the mayor of the 
city, and the director of charities, to present the problem to 
them. He said the saloon was the breeder of vice, poverty, suf- 
fering, and crime, and asked if a remedy could be devised. The 
mayor said if the people did not want drink, the saloon could 
not exist, a fact that everybody knew. The pastor of Mr. Stone- 
man ’s church said nothing but a prohibitory law would remedy 
the evil. The director of charities thought the saloon too firmly 
entrenched to be driven out, while Mr. Backus believed that 
Christian education of the proper kind would in the end over- 
throw the saloon and kindred evils. 

Mr. Stoneman caught at the idea of education and asked 
what he meant by the proper kind. Mr. Backus said: Avould 

include all kinds of physical, mental, moral and spiritual devel- 
opment, by all proper and honorable means and include all 
classes, the saloon keeper and his clerks, as well as his victims.’’ 
Different views were presented in the course of an hour’s talk, 
but no two thought exactly alike on one point, except that the 
saloon was a curse and should be abolished if possible. 

Mr. Stoneman had gotten what he wanted, an idea, and 
after his friends had gone he elaborated an extensive system 
of his last years were prompted by nothing but noble motives, 
and took this as conclusive that the living Christ is in the world 
of education for saloon keepers and their victims. He sent to 
Chicago for one of the best informed men upon the saloon 
question, and had leaves, dodgers, and small pamphlets printed 
in all languages spoken in the United States. Not one word was 
said against the saloon, but the losses, the suffering, the sorrow 
and crime which came from intoxicating drinks were all shown 
in the most intelligent and interesting manner, and medical and 
scientific articles showing that strong drink helped no one in 
soul, mind, body or pocket-book were freely circulated. In ad- 
dition to this Mr. Stoneman employed men and women who 
could talk the languages of those they visited and who dis- 
tributed this literature, and the saloon keepers themselves 
became deeply interested. When it was found that there was 


122 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


no direct attack against the saloon, the saloon keepers and 
brewers gave little thought to what was being done. After a 
little time several saloons were offered for sale, the owners say- 
ing that they were going out of business, and before long, a 
loud complaint was made that keeping a saloon was not a pay- 
ing business. The brewers and distillers took serious alarm, 
and to counteract the efforts of Mr. Stoneman, began sending 
out literature answering what he had caused to be distributed, 
and pleading for personal liberty. This greatly disgusted Mr. 
Stoneman and caused him sorrow. The anti-saloon league follow- 
ed up his teachings and started movements to drive the saloon 
out by law and in some cases this was made possible by the 
change of opinion among the foreign voters, though in most 
cases it was injurious, for it checked the power and influence of 
Mr. Stoneman. 

Many newspapers looked upon Mr. Stoneman ’s efforts as 
a shrewd move of the anti-saloon league to secure the necessary 
signatures to their petitions for elections. Mr. Stoneman, how- 
ever, pushed his educational methods. He had lectures, moving 
pictures, magic lanterns, stories, letters and every imaginable 
help he could devise, to assist in education. Temperance people 
were forced to admit that the saloon-keeper is a human being, 
and has an immortal soul and is subject to moral influences. 

In the city of Cleveland, the poor and sorrowing had 
learned that the grand apartment houses, the hospital and the 
helps which came to them in so many ways without taxation, 
were all the gifts of Mr. Stoneman. In no class or society did 
this change in conduct and methods produce such effect as in 
the church of which Mr. Stoneman had been a life-long member. 
Among the membership of this church were many of the lead- 
ing business men and women of influence. This church had 
been active in charitable works and Mr. Stoneman ’s money had 
helped and he was greatly honored by the church, the members 
showing a sort of pride in having the wealthiest man in the 
world on their church roll. But let the pastor work as he might, 
he failed to lift the membership to his ideal of spiritual living 
and doing. The change in Mr. Stoneman, when it became 
thoroughly knovm, at first produced almost a panic in the church, 
for it seemed to cast some reflection upon the society. The 
pastor, a true man of God, called upon him, and learned the 
truth, and by request of the pastor ]\Ir. Stoneman, at an after- 
noon prayer meeting held for that purpose, told in his simple 
but clear straightforward way, how the light came. He told 
of his love for his own church, and the great good he had there 
received, in the years that were gone, and his regret that he had 


THE CONVERSION OP JOHN STONEM'AN 


123 


been blinded so long, and he asked all to search their lives and 
motives, and make them harmonize with Christas teachings. He 
talked for some thirty minutes and said many things and all 
listened with great attention. The effect was marvelous. Mr. 
Stoneman had purchased and presented to the Sunday School 
500 copies of a new song book, in which was the song he had 
heard sung at the Mission Church, and the choir was asked to 
sing this, which they did. Many tears were shed, and one after 
another the members arose and promised to follow Mr. Stone- 
man, so far as they could. The pastor saw the ground work 
for a revival, not only among the membership but among those 
who had not made any profession, and the influences started 
that afternoon spread until many truly changed to a better life. 


124 


THE CONVERSION OP JOHN STONEMAN 


CHAPTER XV. 

The newly elected boards took hold of the corporations with 
care and caution, and there was no marked change for some 
time. The independent companies, however, being ever on the 
watch, soon began to find less fault with the transportation com- 
panies and friendly competition took the place of expensive and 
blighting business war. Investigations were instituted by some 
of the boards, and as a result some of the officials and long 
trusted employees were discharged and suits were started to 
recover bribes paid for keeping quiet or giving rebates or other 
advantages. These steps caused fluctuation in stocks and Wall 
Street was worried and angry, but when the reforms were found 
to originate within the corporations themselves, the money 
crazed financiers were powerless. They could buy courts and 
juries, hoodwink and bribe legislators but could not budge the 
Boards of Directors pledged to reform. There was another 
strange and unexpected result. The transportation companies 
showed increased earnings and a much smaller expense account, 
even though there was a shrinkage in the income of the newly 
made millionaires of the don’t work, but boss” class. There 
was cheating and fraud, as there no doubt always will be, but 
honesty in business was the rule and not the exception. 

Mr. Hoover, in his new field of labor and action, found 
ample work to take all his time, sympathy and energy. He very 
quickly became knovni as a safe, shrewd member, for his one- 
tenth gave him capital, which, used to advantage, placed him in 
the class of those who dictate in finance. Alma continued in 
her charities, but her home duties soon made it necessary to 
work through others, and this really broadened her usefulness 
and did vastly more good. She founded ^Mohn Stoneman Socie- 
ties” in nearly all the large cities, and such a change had taken 
place in the public mind, that this name was reverenced and 
loved. These societies worked in harmony with the deaconesses 
of all churches, the Sisters of the Catholic Church, and 
Jewish Societies, and many worthy men and women con- 
tributed as well as Mr. Stoneman. This feeling toward Mr. 
Stoneman, however, was not universal. There were many 
who could not and would not believe that anything more 
honorable or Christian than selfishness, pure and simple, was 
the prompting of these ‘‘outbursts of charity” as they called 


THE CONVERSION OP JOHN STONEMAN 


125 


them. The beggars, tramps, and cranks, made strenuous efforts 
to relieve Mr. Stoneman of his wealth; and schools, churches, 
and hospitals poured into his mail thousands of letters, in 
urgent language, showing how great their needs were for help. 
Two clerks were kept constantly busy sorting and answering 
these begging letters. Only the most important were ever sub- 
mitted to Mr. Stoneman. 

The winter had been very cold, with little snow, but much 
rain often turning to sleet, made the streets and walks very 
dangerous, so Mr. Stoneman could not ride out much, which was 
to him a severe trial. It was too cold to use his aerial convey- 
ance, so he spent much of his time studying ways and means 
to use his wealth, and leave it so that it would do the most good. 
He had drawn his will, taking care of all in any way dependent 
upon him, and even many who had no blood claim, but this did 
not exhaust his holdings or satisfy his feelings. 

Mr. Overman had returned, and reported his doings in 
the old world, which for some reason had not caught the eyes of 
the new gatherers. He had met with many difficulties, for the 
different forms of government, the varied methods of thought, 
the peculiar environment of many places, much skill, time 
and patience were required but as all benefits were to come in the 
future, there was not that rivalry for place, when the propositions 
were presented that would have been, had not in all cases the 
plans of Mr. Stoneman been first offered to the highest power; 
and by taking this course, Mr. Overman was more successful and 
freer from interuptions. The documents for each country were 
drawn in triplicate, sealed and endorsed, not to be opened until 
the certified proof of the death of Mr. Stoneman was received. All 
that Mr. Overman had done, was very satisfactory to Mr. Stone- 
man, and he was profuse in his thanks for the services rendered, 
but Mr. Overman insisted that the work, though often hard and 
trying, had been pleasant, that it had brought him personal 
acquaintance with many of the rulers of the world, and the 
great men who help in government, and he believed he had re- 
ceived more than he had given. Mr. Stoneman had no special 
objection to dying rich, but he wanted what he left so invested 
as to reap the largest benefits. This thought was ever upper- 
most in his mind, and he formed many plans, only to drop them 
after he had followed them out to their practical final workings, 
and found them wanting. 

One day the president of a small college a few miles south- 
west from Cleveland called upon Mr. Stoneman, not for a sub- 
scription, but to consult him, and get his help to a plan for 
assisting poor girls and boys to obtain higher education. The 


126 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


main features of the plan were not new. They were in sub- 
stance to provide a fund, only the income of which was to be 
used, to help those in need of assistance in school work, and this 
help was to extend to any and all trades, professions and avoca- 
tions, calling for skilled and educated laborers, so that mental 
and physical labor were combined. The broadness of the 
thought pleased Mr. Stoneman. He promised to give the matter 
careful consideration and asked the president to put his plan 
in writing and send him a copy and to call again. But Mr. 
Stoneman did not wait for the president ^s plan to be put in writ- 
ing, but devised one of his own, using the suggestions of the 
president in a way he thought the most good would result. The 
large colleges, he knew, attracted the boys of wealth, while the 
smaller colleges were patronized mostly by the less favored 
financially, but these as a class were hungry for knowledge. 
He never believed that any one class was given superior mental 
gifts over another, but he did believe that the poor boy or girl 
who hungered and thirsted for education, would in the end be 
more successful than one with plenty of money, without this 
longing. He recalled the fact that, among the men and women 
who had been great in literature, science, art, politics, and busi- 
ness, many had in youth been hampered by poverty, and were 
what is commonly, though falsely, called ‘‘self-made.’^ He well 
understood that it would be false help to place any student or 
searcher after truth, beyond the necessity for exertion. He 
therefore determined to present to the Boards of Trustees of 
certain small colleges in Ohio, the sum of $25,000 each, as soon as 
other subscriptions for a like sum had been obtained, making 
$100,000 for each college, the interest of which was to be loaned, 
by the trustees, to boys and girls, to assist them in obtaining an 
education. He placed limitations as to age, and amount to 
each, and stipulated that no help should be extended save as a 
loan, for which no security was to be taken, and no interest 
charged, till the student was through school and had become a 
wage earner. He further stipulated that all money paid back by 
the students, whether interest or principal, should become a part 
of this endowment fund. There were other conditions, which ex- 
perience has shovTi wise and beneficial. ]\fr. Stoneman did not 
stop with this, but, believing every boy and girl should be taught 
some trade or profession, so that he or she would be more likely 
to become a valuable member of society, he offered to erect and 
equip the necessary buildings for all kinds of manual training 
for both boys and girls, to be taught in connection with any 
college of good training, which would add this to its curriculum, 
and furnish the teachers and necessary supplies. 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAiN 


127 


Mr. Hoover had taken such active part in the management 
of the several corporations, and had been so fair and honest in 
all business transactions that the dividends, in place of falling 
below the average, were slightly in advance of the year before. 
This surprised Mr. Upham and his friends, for they had made 
up their minds there would be a falling off and were ready to 
meet this, as a sacrifice for what they called principle. But 
what was stranger still and more surprising to the high finan- 
ciers of Wall Street was the fact that the stocks of the several 
corporations gradually rose in the market, and merchants, me- 
chanics, farmers and professional men began to buy for per- 
manent investment. 


Mr. Hoover and Alma visited Mr. Stoneman quite often, for 
his advice and suggestions were of great value. As soon as Mr. 
Upham and friends found the power to govern and control the 
oil company and transportation companies had slipped from 
their hands, they quietly and secretly began to purchase the 
controlling interests in the largest independent oil companies, 
and at the next year ’s election they were not only on the boards, 
but were elected on executive committees. This opened the 
eyes of the other companies to the fact that these parties were 
attempting the same methods the older company had followed. 
Mr. Stoneman knew these methods too well, and but little 
was accomplished by this new move. It became necessary how- 
ever to have the public fully informed as to the true steps by 
which these great changes had come about. 

Mr. Backus, Mr. Hoover, the pastor of Mr. Stoneman ’s 
church, and Mr. Overman were called in consultation, as to the 
necessity of publishing a statement, and who could best write 
it. A full and free discussion took place, and many suggestions 
were made, but nothing adopted, until Mr. Stoneman said: 

There is a woman whom I do not personally know, but who 
some years ago wrote very bitter things about me, and about 
my methods of business, which I then thought was very wrong 
in her. I have since had most careful investigation made, which 
has shown that she has been honest, and that she had more truth 
than poetry as a foundation for what she wrote. I am impressed 
that she could do this writing very well, if she would. I refer 
to Miss Ada Knowlton. At one time I felt very hard toward 
this woman, and I set spies to watch for some flaw in her words 
or ways, but only in the personal assaults upon me and those 
I loved did I find anything to censure and in these matters I 
made certain she had the word of men and women whom she had 


128 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


a right to believe. It is strange but true that what one sees 
today in another, and considers of little or no moment, becomes 
to such party years afterwards, of mighty import, and the mem- 
ory of the ^‘oldest inhabitant,’’ as to the character of neighbors, 
friends and acquaintances of early years, is distorted out of 
truthful proportion. In this way Miss Knowlton was deceived, 
and wrote some things that were not true, though I am sure 
she believed they were. She has not lost her cunning with the 
pen, and the magazines she is interested in show she is alive to 
all that passes.” 

The surprise of all present was manifest, and yet all knew 
Mr. Stoneman was correct in his choice and Mr. Overman was 
authorized to see the lady, and arrange for her to visit Mr. 
Stoneman. 

The visit of Miss Knowlton which soon followed was certainly 
out of the ordinary. She was herself out of the ordinary. Her 
books and writings had not only brought her competency, but 
had given her a world-wide reputation. At this time she was 
past sixty, though she looked not over forty. Her hair was 
white, and rolled back in what seemed to be curls, in such a way 
as to give a commanding expression to the head and face. Her 
eyes were bright and her face, being young for her years, was 
vivacious and striking, though there were many traces which 
showed early beauty, and the charms which come from deep 
study and careful thought. When they met, Mr. Stoneman 
knew he w^as in the presence of a superior mind. Her welcome 
was friendly, and no one could have imagined from seeing them 
together, that anything but the warmest friendship could ever 
have existed. Miss Knowlton had seen the world from many 
view points and Mr. Stoneman chiefly from but one, but this 
one took in a knowledge of men. He gave Miss Knowlton his 
full confldence, and related his experiences from the time he 
first heard that song. He did not attempt to hide or explain 
away the errors of the past or the wrongs which had been 
inflicted upon others. He acknowledged that his views of life 
duty and brotherhood had changed, and he put no limita- 
tion upon her as to what she should write, or how she should 
write it, but said to her: ‘Wou have all the facts, and I shall 
trust you to use them so as to help and not injure. ’ ’ Mr. Stone- 
man ’s story and his absolute confidence in her, affected her very 
much, bringing tears to her eyes more than once, but her 
pencil flew, and her eyes and ears took in all his acts and words. 
To tell the truth, she had been somewhat skeptical as to the 
object he had in calling her to visit him, and there was in her 
mind a latent suspicion that in some way she was to be used 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


129 


to cover up or excuse the past, and it was with this feeling she 
began the interview, though before it closed she was fully con- 
vinced of Mr. Stoneman’s sincerity. Her articles on ^^Mr. 
Stoneman of To-day” produced a profound sensation. They 
were translated into all the printed languages of the world. She 
gave full credit to the influence of Christ’s teachings in the 
transformation of Mr. Stoneman, and a religious controversy 
sprang up. 

The fact that the religion of Christ had changed John 
Stoneman, was made use of by the Christian church in all parts 
of the world, and this called for other cases where bad men had 
been made good, through the same influence, and, as a result, 
many revivals followed. One of the most marked effects was 
a higher level of business honesty, and honor in the markets 
of trade and commerce. This of course was gradual, as one 
after another, men began to try to live better and do better. 
The closing article had as a finale: ^‘Some years ago I 
wrote about the subject of these articles, as I then felt was cor- 
rect, in an effort to expose wrong and point out the authors, as 
a warning to others. I have nothing to take back or apologize 
for, though I regret having dragged others of his family into 
public notice. This I now see was not necessary, though I then 
thought it was. No doubt there were some mistakes, but my 
purpose was to do good. In presenting these pages, the same 
motives have prompted me, but I must admit, there has been 
more of pleasure and joy, than duty. I believe firmly in the 
kind of religion which Mr. Stoneman professes, and now lives; 
a religion that sanctifies the mind, soul, body and bank account. 
His charities are now from the heart, and if any of the wealth 
he holds was obtained by wrong methods, he has so consecrated 
it to the good of his fellowmen, that all taint is removed. It is 
not often old men change and it is far less often that the change 
in any man does the good that this has and will produce. The 
day of miracles has not passed, for this change in J ohn Stoneman 
shows the converting power of Christ to reach the dead and 
blinded conscience and cause it to live.” 


9 


130 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


CHAPTER XVI. 

When June blossoms were in their prime, Mr. Hoover and 
Alma visited Mr. Stoneman and presented their first born, John 
D. Hoover, for Mr. Stoneman ^s blessing, and a more happy 
meeting cannot be imagined. But Alma was almost shocked 
at the condition in which she found her friend. He no longer 
walked with the brisk step of other days, but he was all sunshine 
and happiness, and it was a benediction to be with him. He loved 
his ovm family, as he called all in whom the blood of his an- 
cestors was known to run, or with whom such blooded relatives 
had married. Alma was in neither of these classes, but was 
still his ‘ ^ adopted daughter, ’ ^ and her husband his right hand in 
all matters of business. This naturally excited jealousy in the 
minds of some, who before this had held Mr. Stoneman ’s confi- 
dence, and sly remarks and open slanders about Mr. Hoover were 
circulated, while many traps were set to catch him. Many finan- 
cial schemes were presented, having for their object his undoing, 
but he took no important move that he did not first submit to 
Mr. Stoneman, and the lessons he learned kept him from many 
mistakes. 

As Mr. Stoneman ^s physical powers became less active, his 
distant relatives became more alive, and some were indiscreet 
enough to make remarks about his mental condition and his 
want of business capacity, sufficient to make a will, and these 
rumors were magnified, so that when the papers took notice, it 
was enough to cause Mr. Stoneman to do some hard and deep 
thinking. He determined to fix matters so that a part, at least, 
of his property, should go where he wanted it to. He had for 
years seen Cleveland’s need of an audience hall, where thous- 
ands could meet in safety and comfort and listen to music, 
lectures and speeches. He studied the situation with more than 
common care. All through his business life, he had longed more 
or less for the intimate friendship of his fellowmen, but more 
especially for the two years last past he had yearned for this 
sympathy, especially from that numerous class below the rich 
or even well-to-do. But he had never been gifted with the skill 
to win this, and for some years he had not had the strength to 
personally meet these citizens, and he regretted lost opportuni- 
ties. His feelings were expressed to some of his intimate 
friends, but his earnestness and simplicity, and forgetfulness of 
self, brought tears to more than one. He called his a lost life. 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMIAN 


131 


and at times suffered greatly, as he recalled the good he might 
have done, had he but understood the opportunities given him. 
His purpose to redeem as far as possible the past, was ever in 
his mind, and knowing as he did, that his days were very few, 
he lost no time after he had fixed upon a plan. 

He called in the mayor of Cleveland, and the directors of 
law, and proposed to them that if the city would condemn the 
Erie Street Cemetery grounds, and remove everything there- 
from, he would pay all costs and damages, including the cost of 
removal to other cemeteries, and would erect thereon a grand 
auditorium or music-hall where at least ten thousand could be 
safely seated, and see and hear; and would pay into the city 
treasury $1,000,000 to be held as an irreducible fund, the inter- 
est to be used to support the Music Hall and furnish entertain- 
ments for the people, the city to agree to furnish any other care 
and support required. This proposition was too good to be 
neglected, but the city authorities were in doubt as to the city^s 
right to condemn. Mr. Stoneman stipulated that his name was 
not to be mentioned, but all knew there was no one else who 
could do such a grand and noble deed for the city. There were 
several conditions imposed by Mr. Stoneman. 

1st. The name should be ‘‘The People ^s Hall.’’ 

2nd. No charge for admission should ever be made for 
any concert or entertainment held or given in the hall, unless 
for charity; but admission might, in certain cases, be only for 
those holding tickets. 

3rd. The hall should be dedicated to the common people 
of Cleveland, and this should be carved over the 9th and 14th 
street entrances. 

The mayor suggested that underneath each should be the 
words, “By Mr. John Stoneman.” This Mr. Stoneman objected 
to very strongly, but when the Kev. Backus and others told him 
that it was his duty, as far as possible to let his fellowmen know 
he was their friend, he yielded. The plans of the hall were well 
studied, and the amphitheater has been a model for many in 
other cities. 

The effect of this was both wonderful and unexpected, for 
Mr. Stoneman became at once almost the idol of the poorer class 
of the city. They knew his great age, that he was feeble, and 
this took away much of the former distrust, hatred and bitter- 
ness, and the giving to the common people such rights, swung 
their sympathies and love as far the other way. Working or- 
ganizations passed resolutions, and delegations were sent to 
present them, and requests for money filled several sacks each 
day. But Mr. Stoneman thought it was as great a sin to give 


132 


THE CONVERSION OP JOHN STONEMAN 


wrongly as to not give at all, so he was careful as to those he 
helped. 

For two weeks Mr. Stoneman had received no reports from 
Amanda Tilley. He had become so accustomed to these reports, 
each Monday morning, that when they did not arrive he felt 
lonely, and feared that something was wrong with her. He sent 
one of his men to investigate, and learned that Amanda had 
been very sick with tonsilitis, but was again able to sit up. She 
sent word that she would call on Mr. Stoneman as soon as she 
was able, and one morning about ten o’clock she came slowly 
up the winding walk, and found Mr. Stoneman and Miss Knowl- 
ton sitting upon the porch, for Miss Knowlton had now become 
as warm a friend as she had once been supposed an enemy. Mr. 
Stoneman welcomed Amanda and introduced Miss Knowlton. 
In answer to Mr. Stoneman ’s ^‘How are you getting along,” she 
said: spects I’se mighty nigh all in, but thank the Lord I can 

get around some. About three weeks ago I was down in garbage 
pickers’ quarters, where a mother and two children were very 
siek. I sort of nursed the mother, but she died. The Doctor said 
she had laryngitis but she had worse than that, for she had borne 
children in poverty and suffered. I didn’t s’pose that any dis- 
ease would care enough for me to eatch me. I have been with 
small-pox, cholera and diphtheria and all such truck, but never 
took nothin’, but I did get this trouble with my throat and it’s 
left me all used up.” 

Miss Knowlton had become greatly interested and said, 
^^But if you are now careful for a little time you will no doubt 
get strong again.” 

^‘That might be. Missus,” answered Amanda, ^'But it’s 
again God’s law. You see He makes the natural law as well as 
the spiritual law, and I can ’t see much difference between natural 
law and spiritual, for God made all law. Now by His law, I must 
get weak and lame, and maybe blind, and deaf, and then die. I 
have seen many years and some trouble, but more joy than trou- 
ble, and most part of my trouble was ’cause I looked at things 
the wrong way. If I could live longer, ’pears like I could do a 
heap more good, but maybe I wouldn’t.” 

‘‘Have you no relatives?” asked Miss Knowlton. 

“Not as I knows,” she answered, “maybe a brother or sis- 
ter is living some place, but if so they’ve done forgot me and I 
them, but this is not what I came for, Mr. Stoneman. I came 
this morning to see what is to be done. When I was sick the 
poor children kept coming to ask after me, and they were mighty 
good not to make a bit of noise and some of the Italian Catholic 
children picked up a few pennies and went to the Priest and 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


133 


asked him to say a mass or prayer, or somethin^ so I would get 
well, and I think the good Lord counted the wishes of those lit- 
tle kids as prayers, and made me better. But I am not able 
longer to do the work, and don^t think I ever will be, though I 
hope to do a little. There is lots, all the time, to be done, and 
who will do it, now I am played out?” 

‘‘We are both getting old and feeble,” said Mr. Stoneman, 
“and we must work through others. DonT you know some one 
who can take most of the work off your hands, and you do the 
directing ? ’ ’ 

“The trouble is most folks canT see and feel at the same 
time,” she said. “Some see poor miserable sufferers, but donT 
feel for them, and some at home and in church and in talks feel 
mighty bad for the poor and needy, but they never see sich. If 
one sees and feels at the same time, helping is a pleasure, no 
matter how nasty and bad they are. There is a white woman 
named Margaret Worthington who helps me. She came from a 
high up family, and married a man against the wishes of her 
folks, who are rich, and they cut her off. Her husband was no 
money maker, for he was a preacher. But they might have got 
on well, but he up an died, leaving her nothin ^ I found her 
crying, one evening, walking down Superior Street, as she was 
going to the lake with a half formed purpose of killing herself, 
and I took her home, and she has lived with me ever since. She’s 
a true Christian and loves the work, cause she has suffered her- 
self. She’s thirty-two years old, and can do better than any 
one else. So far as I can see she is the best one we can get at 
present, but she can’t do it all, and something more must be 
done, for Christ says, ‘There will always be poor folks, so there 
must always be some one to help. I won’t have or need any- 
thing much longer, and I’m not rich, still I want what I have 
to be a help to the like I have helped. You can plan great 
things, and if you will plan this out, I shall be much obliged.” 

Amanda was quite tired and exhausted with her ride in the 
cars, walk up the hill, and talk, so Mr. Stoneman ordered 
brought to her a cup of tea, and bread and butter. The little 
lunch revived her, and Mr. Stoneman said: “This is a large 
subject and I must think it over. You are not able yet to at- 
tend to much business. I will have you taken home in the ma- 
chine, which will be much better than the cars, and we will fix 
all matters in good shape very soon.” 

Miss Knowlton had heard of Amanda and her work, but she 
saw the rich and the poor in a different light. This visit started 
a new line of thought for Mr. Stoneman. The “Amanda Tilley 
Idea” as he called it began to expand as his master mind took 


134 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


in the dark, bad places in all the large cities of our country, and 
extended to all the large cities of the world. How to use money 
to reach the necessities of the needy and help them to help them- 
selves, was a problem Mr. Stoneman could not formulate or 
solve. The principle on which he acted was, however, to have 
in his mind a closer object to be attained, and then he never 
doubted but the methods of doing this could be found. To gath- 
er ideas and assist him, he invited Mr. and Mrs. Hoover, and 
Mr. and Mrs. Backus, and Miss Knowlton to meet him the next 
week, to discuss and consider the great problem that was then 
in his mind. Many plans were discussed, but when they were 
mentally applied to the peculiar conditions of those to be helped, 
defects were discovered, and they were discarded. At last Mrs. 
Hoover said : ‘ ^ Mr. Stoneman, how would it do to have a nation- 
al committee to be called, The Investment Committee, who should 
have charge of the money you want to devote to this object, and 
then only use the income? This income could be divided among 
the cities of the United States, in proportion to their needs or 
population. In each city should be a local board of responsible 
men and women for the proper using of the money. This board 
could be appointed by the court, or in any other way. You can 
have rules drawn, and conditions fixed, governing not only The 
Investment Committee but also the local committees in the sev- 
eral cities.’’ 

All were much pleased with the comprehensiveness of this 
suggestion, and Mr. Stoneman laughingly said: ^‘My daughter, 
I shall have to buy you a new dress for that idea. ’ ’ 

With some few changes and additions, Alma’s plan was 
adopted and Mr. Stoneman gave the matter into the hands of 
Mr. Hoover, Mr. Backus, and the attorneys to prepare the neces- 
sary papers for putting into execution his purpose. When asked 
how he wanted the fund named he said : ‘ ‘ My name must not be 
used. I cannot help their knowing I give the money, but I will 
not let anyone say I gave it to perpetuate my name. No, it 
shall be called ‘‘The Amanda Tilley Fund.” “But,” said Mr. 
Backus, “she will give nothing to this fund and she is only a 
colored woman.” 

“You are wrong there. Brother Backus,” said Mr. Stone- 
man, “for she has given me a little knowledge of doing real 
good to my unfortunate brothers and sisters, and has brought 
me in touch with them more than I ever was before. But this 
is not all. She was here to see me only a few days ago. She had 
been quite ill, and I sent her home in the auto. The next day 
I received from her a small package, “To be opened when I am 
dead.” This morning I received word that she died suddenly 


THE CONVERSION OP JOHN STONEMAN 


135 


last night from heart failure, and I found on opening the pack- 
age that she had willed to me her home and money, in a bank, 
about $2,000, to be used as I think best for needy and suffering 
''Like she has been trying to help.’’ Here is her letter and the 
will. Br. Backus, will you please read them?” 


Dear Mr. Stoneman : 

It ’pears to me I shall soon be called home and I send you 
my will. I paid a lawyer $5.00 to make it, and I guess its right. 
I wish I could do more, but I can’t. I wants to thank you for 
giving me the money to help so many, and for being so good to 
me. I have prayed for you each day, and shall as long as I live. 
If the call comes for me, I hope you will take good care of Mar- 
garet Worthington. I first thought to give my property to her, 
but I didn’t feel sure that this would be best. But you can 
give her my place, and she will be honest and earn her own 
money. I am sad, but not one bit afraid to go, though I do feel 
for these poor, ignorant, suffering ones, that they will not be 
taken care of. You are old and can’t do it, but may be you can 
find some who can. Margaret will do her best but she can’t do 
it all. I may never see you more in this world, but I surely will 
in the land where there is no more poor or black, but all washed 
white in the blood of Christ. Just to be there and thought as 
much of as anyone and no difference! Thank God for such a 
home. Be careful and live as long as you can, and may God 
bless you. AMANDA TlLLEY. 


There was silence for a moment after the reading of this 
letter and the will, and tears were in all eyes. Mr. Stoneman 
said, ' ' Can I do better than to call this after so good a woman ? ’ ’ 
While it seemed to the others a little out of place, still no one 
objected, and all agreed that Amanda was worthy of being re- 
membered. 

The funeral of Amanda Tilley was one of the most remark- 
able ever held in Cleveland. The newspapers had held back, at 
her request, much they would have published, but after she was 
gone, they withheld nothing, and her picture was in every pa- 
per, and her deeds of loving service were told with all the add- 
ed embellishment reporter’s imagination could picture. Mr. 


136 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


Stoneman could uot attend, but several clergymen joined 
with the colored Baptist preacher in the services. The floral 
cross and crown sent by Mr. Stoneman cost more than any other 
two pieces ever before manufactured in Cleveland. The most 
touching incident of all this funeral was a company of small, 
tousley headed urchins from eight to fourteen, who came in a 
body from the poverty haunts of Hill Street, each with a flower 
which was deposited on the casket as they marched around. The 
crowd which attended her funeral could not have had accom- 
modations in any church or hall in the city. It was one of the 
most mixed ever seen in Cleveland. There were millionaires 
and poverty stricken beggars, preachers, lawyers, and men from 
the different churches, but in all that vast assembly there was 
not a particle of disorder. It was found necessary to bring the 
casket out of the house and hold the services out of doors. After 
Mr. Stoneman had heard read what the papers said, and had 
received from Alma a full report, the tears started as he said : ‘ H 
would give all I am worth to be thought as much of as that by 
my fellow-beings. ^ ’ 

John Stoneman had come to himself. He had a hungry 
heart and a longing for the sympathy and love of his fellow- 
men. He could not understand how it was that he had so prized 
making money and placed that beyond all else, and he wondered 
that he had for many years enjoyed making money, which now 
seemed to him of so little worth, compared with the joy of doing 
good, and being loved. He did not underestimate the value and 
power of money, nor the good that could come from its proper 
use, but he realized there was something better, more holy, more 
God-like, and he knew that Amanda Tilley had found this. 

Mr. Stoneman had determined to make this charity both 
permanent and broad in its benefits, and after he had fixed on 
the National Committee, he made over to this Committee cer- 
tain large dividend-paying stocks and bonds, but under certain 
restrictions and reservations as to the income during his life, 
should he ever demand it. This precautionary act of reservation 
was but the natural expression of his forethought against un- 
seen contingencies. To Mr. and Mrs. Hoover he intrusted the 
arrangements in the several cities. 

The newspapers and magazines of this and other lands had 
much to say of this new charity, and quite a number were un- 
kind and drastic. Some said Mr. Stoneman was trying to 
purchase his way to Heaven. Others, that he was paying pen- 
ance for old sins. But for the most part he was commended, and 
the business way in which this great donation was planned, ex- 
cited the admiration of all who were fair minded. But there 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


137 


were many others who were differently influenced. The large 
class of cranks of every cult and ism came forward to assist Mr. 
Stoneman in placing his money where great results would be 
realized. He could not appear on the street, or at church, or 
on his grounds, that he was not pestered by these beggars, and 
he had to keep guards to protect him. This annoyance con- 
tinued for weeks. There was another class, who felt intensely 
his giving such large sums, and these were distant relatives. 
There was hardly one so remote, in which John Stoneman ’s blood 
ran, or to whom his blood had been united in marriage, who did 
not expect, in some unexplained way, to share in his vast estate. 
In their flgurings, . the fact that Mr. Stoneman might make a 
will, or that there were next of kin nearer than they, seemed to 
have no weight. 

A meeting was quietly called, and some forty of these 
greedy seekers after money for which they had not worked, met 
in Chicago. They supposed they were having a secret gather- 
ing, and the remarks were very pointed and emphatic. Mr. 
Stoneman was handled without gloves, and his past errors were 
re-hashed and magnifled, as though, if Mr. Stoneman had be- 
come wealthy by questionable methods, that gave them sort of 
right, or interest in his money. The practical part of the meet- 
ing was the raising of a fund, sufficiently large to pay the costs 
of bringing action to have a guardian appointed to take charge 
of his property, and prevent it from waste by his dissipations. 
The vast sum wasted, as they claimed, upon San Domingo, the 
millions put into apartment houses for the poor, had, they said, 
so exhausted his estate, as to make the portion of each very 
small, and if he carried out this new plan he would die any- 
thing but a rich man. 

A committee was appointed and a fourth rate lawyer from 
Cleveland offered to take the case for fifteen per cent, of the 
amount recovered by the heirs, either as heirs, or in compromise 
with nearer relatives. He wanted, however, that each one 
should pay $25.00 to meet incidental expenses. The $25.00, was 
a poser and the lawyer was forced to compromise on $10.00, each. 
The agreement was duly drawn, but several insisted on having 
copies. All were pledged to the utmost secrecy, but in spite of 
this, a full report of the meeting, and copies of the resolutions 
and contract, were in Mr. Stoneman ’s possession the next morn- 
ing. 

Mr. Stoneman invited the Probate Judge of Cuyahoga 
County to dine with him that evening, and after dinner he dis- 
closed to the judge the proceedings of the Chicago meeting, to- 
gether with the resolution and agreement. The judge was not 


138 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


a little surprised, for the possibility of any thing being wrong 
with the white matter in John Stoneman’s brain had never en- 
tered his mind. Mr. Stoneman said : ^ ^ J udge, I asked you here 
for a purpose, and this is it. You can make all the examina- 
tions of me you please, for I think the law requires that you see 
personally and examine the party against whom the charge of 
imbecility or insanity is made, and if, in your judgment, T need 
a guardian, appoint one before an application by these parties 
has been made, and one who would be friendly. The judge 
blushed in angry resentment, as he said: ‘‘Mr. Stoneman, it is 
true you have seen many years, but age is not to be measured 
by years alone. Some are older at fifty than others at eighty 
or eighty-five, and so far as I can see, in mind and spirit you 
are about sixty-five. If any application, as is suggested by these 
papers, comes before me, there will be music in the air, and you 
may rest easy. The time may come to you and me, when mental 
and physical powers will give way, but it is fully as likely to 
come to me as to you.’’ 

The next day was Sunday, but on Monday about noon the 
attorney having in charge the matter for the “distant rela- 
tives,” entered the Probate Court and offered for filing, a peti- 
tion “for the appointment of a guardian for the person and pro- 
perty of John Stoneman, an imbecile.” The clerk was very 
much surprised, and before filing, consulted the judge, who 
said: “Send that la^vyer here.” The judge invited the lawyer 
into his private office and said: “Mr. Carolton, I have here a 
verbatim report of the meeting in Chicago, and a copy of your 
agreement. Knowing this, do you wish to file this petition ? Of 
course if you insist it must be filed.” 

Mr. Carolton turned red and white, and could only stam- 
mer: “Thank you judge. I won’t file it this morning, and will 
think the matter over,” and taking his petition, he retreated. 
Thus ended the attempt of the distant blood relations to get a 
hold on the millions of John Stoneman. 

This experience was a shock to Mr. Stoneman and he took 
note of it to shape his business matters in such a way that these 
parties would never be able to break his will, or share in his es- 
tate. His gifts had been more than princely, and he had al- 
ready parted with the title to a large part of his estate, but in 
most eases he had retained the income during life, and as this 
came in the forms of checks and drafts, he found his banks 
over-loaded with idle money. He made out, and deeded to such 
of his relatives, and others, as he felt were in any way dependent 
upon him, such properties, either personal or real as he consid- 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


139 


ered for their good, and placed the deeds in escrow. The small 
colleges in his native state received generous donations, especial- 
ly those near Cleveland, but the income from these gifts in each 
case was to be used to help boys and girls who were poor to get 
education in furtherance of his former plan. 

His home city had come to know him as a lover of his fel- 
lowmen, and the bitterness of earlier years was gone. True, 
there were a few who could not see good in anything he did, and 
these would not believe that any real change had come to him. 
It takes a long time to remove bad impressions, and a new gen- 
eration who knew not the past by experience, must take place of 
the old, before bad affects are removed. Mr. Stoneman had out- 
lived nearly all those with whom he had done business, and his 
sympathies and feeling for his fellowmen, on his laying aside 
money making,, and giving his time and energies to helping in 
the world, had brought him a popularity among the younger 
business men, and among the young of all classes. He was much 
venerated. This was especially shown among the poorer classes, 
for the partnership agreement between him and Amanda Tilley 
had been found after her death, and was printed and translated 
into many languages. 


140 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


CHAPTER XVII. 

The reforms introduced by Mr. Hoover in the several 
boards were ‘‘a nine days’ wonder” and were received by the 
public and vast army of employees of the several companies, 
with much doubt. The independent companies for a time enjoyed 
almost perfect freedom, and competition in some cases brought 
down prices, but the great oil company which had been built 
up by oppressive measures against rivals, found that it was very 
hard for the rank and file to do business in any other way. Com- 
plaints began to be made in newspapers and suits were brought 
to restrain violations of law. The United States Governing 
Commission which, in 1917, was substituted for the Interstate 
Commerce Commission, had been given almost absolute power 
to regulate commerce between states, but as this commission was 
made up largely of those friendly to the trusts, the complaints 
were considered, seemingly with great care and interest, but 
very little relief was granted. The United States district attor- 
neys, in our large cities, were loud in their denunciations of all 
trusts and combinations, and they told the reporters of all 
the great things they were intending to do, but the shrewd ob- 
server could see full well that this was only to pacify the public, 
or as was said, was only throwing sand in the eyes of the 
public.” As proof of this, indictments were not found, or if 
found, were defectively drawn, or evidence upon some minor, 
but important point, could not be found. Then there was the 
excuse that the courts were overcrowded with business, and so 
the cases against the trusts were postponed and continued and, 
at last, nolled. 

At times a corporation was permitted to be convicted, but 
the officers of the company, who had ordered and dictated the 
violation of law, were not fined, or imprisoned, and the fine of 
the corporation was exploited as a wonderful victory for the 
people. These farces in the miscarriage of justice gave deeper 
and stronger hold to the trusts, hanging upon the vitals of 
healthy business, but the district attorneys were able to get 
great fame through the newspapers. The voting power of Mr. 
Hoover in the several stockholders’ meetings was sufficient to 
put men upon the Boards, but those who, acting alone, could 
have been trusted anywhere, and who would have scorned to do 
a mean or dishonorable act, were, when doing business as a 


THE CONVERSION OP JOHN STONEMAN 


141 


Board, often influenced by a shrewd minority, into doubtful and 
indeed, unlawful ways of money making. If these methods of 
^^The System’’ were potent in causing deflections from the right 
in governing boards, how much more injurious were the effects 
in the ten thousand ramifications into which the business of 
these trusts extends. 

Congress had for years been passing stringent laws govern- 
ing interestate commerce and commerce with foreign countries, 
but the decisions of courts, and the drastic legislations in the 
several states had been so shaped and nullified as to make the in- 
terstate laws of little effect. Mr. Hoover became a power on 
Wall Street, though he only bought and sold stock and bonds, 
as he would have bought sheep or cattle. He did not deal in 
margins in the strict sense of the term. His holdings being so 
large and voting power so influential, and having large deposit:; 
in bank, placed him in a much higher financial position than he 
had ever imagined it possible for him to reach, and that within 
a very limited period. Whenever asked or spoken to about it, 
he frankly admitted that but a small part of what he handled 
belonged to himself. But this detracted little from influence. 
It must be admitted, however, that he was more feared than 
loved. His efforts to bring the oil company strictly within the 
law, and the general understanding that he was determined to 
carry out the new ethical ideas of Mr. Stoneman, brought 
against him the speculative arm of financiers. He lived up to 
his profession, and all the skill and blandishment of the tricks- 
ters of finance could not induce him to enter any stock jobbing 
scheme, or any attempt to corner the market. He received many 
threatening letters. At first Alma acted as his private Secretary, 
but when John Hoover came, another was employed. These 
threatening letters were known to the secretary and Mr. Hoover 
only saved that for prudential reasons he kept all such letters. 
However he took special care to give no one an opportunity to 
do him personal injury. He knew all this was intended to 
frighten him and his eyes were on the watch to spot the writers. 
It had become necessary for Mr. and Mrs. Hoover to enter 
society and entertain. 

Mrs. Hoover was charming as hostess or guest, and very 
popular, but she and her husband were criticised, because they 
neither drank wine or other strong drink, nor furnished any- 
thing of the kind to their guests, and he used tobacco in no form. 
Among the millionaire class, and those who wanted to be 
thought millionaries, this was looked upon not only as fanati- 
cal, but presumptuous in a young couple who had so suddenly 
become wealthy. Vice and wrong doing always feel the effect 


142 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


of uprightness, and the influence of those two was shown in the 
refusal of many of the young men and women to take wine or 
champagne at social gatherings. But Mr. Hoover and his 
wife said little and never intruded their peculiar views, unless 
when questioned or challenged because of not indulging. Un- 
der such circumstances they were free to express their opinions 
and justify their course. Society would have punished them 
by ostracism, but society was afraid that Mr. Hoover controlled 
too much money, and that he might affect in some way the flnan- 
cial interests of many. Wealth is remarkably sensitive and jeal- 
ous. It takes fright at imaginary scare-crows. There is noth- 
ing more sensitive than money. Intemperance among the 
wealthy had grown very fast after the panic, and it was bad 
enough before, so there was need for reform. Mr. Stoneman 
upheld and encouraged his friends in their strict observance of 
the moral law, and found much comfort in having those to rep- 
resent him who could, in all things, be trusted. 

The reports that reached Mr. Stoneman told how hard it 
was to reform long seated abuses, and the thought that he had 
marked out ways and systems of money making which violated 
moral laws, and that many were trying in a thousand ways to 
imitate his methods, made him sad and gloomy. Some days he 
could not see that his methods had been so very bad, but at 
other times the full responsibility for his bad example crushed 
his spirits, and brought suffering and depression. His good 
judgment, however, came to his rescue, for he knew it was out 
of his power to undo the past, and that the only way he could 
redeem what he had done was by the right use of the present. 
His large income, even after his great gifts, was more than he 
could fairly give away. The visits of his trusted friends were 
helpful and cheered him greatly, and to them he opened his 
heart and told his feelings and desires. About this time the 
noted effort to abduct Mr. Stoneman took place. 

He had, for years, kept guards about his home, for he knew 
many had planned to kidnap him or to coerce him into giving 
money, but as he had not been in active business for years, and 
as he was so old, and among the citizens there was such a friend- 
ly feeling for him, the number of these guards had been reduced 
until only two were left, one for day and one for night. This 
had been his protection for some time, when one evening about 
nine P. M. a closely enclosed auto came up the drive, and stop- 
ped at the west entrance of the home. The guard was there in 
an instant and asked ‘‘whom shall I announce^’ but the only 
answer given was a heavy blow on the head which knocked him 
senseless. The blow was so loud that it attracted the attention 


THE CONVERSION OP JOHN STONEMAN 


143 


of the secretary, who saw, by the porch light, the guard 
stretched upon the ground and three men starting to come up 
the steps, while another was going around the house. The sec- 
retary sprang back from the window, pulled the curtains shut, 
threw the bolts of the front door in place, and in a low voice 
called out ^ ^ burglars. ’ ^ The only parties in the room were Mr. 
Stoneman, Miss Knowlton and the secretary. Mr. Stoneman 
and Miss Knowlton both thought the secretary must be mistaken, 
but the loud ring of the bell and the rough demand that the 
door be opened, convinced them that there was trouble in store. 
Mr. Stoneman told the secretary to telephone the police, but he 
found the wires had been cut and he could get no response. 

It was fortunate that Mr. Stoneman had installed a wireless 
system on the roof, and he sent the secretary to call up the cen- 
tral station. The secretary was most willing to do this, as it 
took him out of harm’s way, for a time, at least. The parties at 
the door rang and knocked and threatened, but no word or an- 
swer was returned. They attempted to force the door, but it 
was strongly built of the best oak, and the locks and bolts were 
made to match, so that it withstood the attack. The men then 
went around to the easterly side of the library and tried the door. 
This too, was strong and well bolted, but not equal to the other, 
and it was evident that the door would not stand long. Mr. 
Stoneman was greatly excited, yet cool. He went to a desk and 
took out a long sword knife and said: shall defend myself if 

I must.” At this Miss Knowlton took from her hand-bag one 
of those small, queer looking revolvers called the ^‘surprise” 
and said: ‘^Mr. Stoneman, I will stand by you to the last.” 

Just then the door began to crack, and Miss Knowlton 
stepped forward quickly and said: will shoot the first man 

who enters.” The voice of a woman caused the men to stop for 
a moment and one said : ‘ ‘ Madam, we want nothing to do with 
you, nor will be harm a hair of Mr. Stoneman ’s head, but we 
must and will see him tonight and that — quickly, so you get 
away or you may get hurt. ’ ’ 

With that they sprang against the door, but at that moment 
Miss Knowlton shot through the door, which caused them to 
draw back, for one had received a bad flesh wound in his leg. 
This produced a little delay, and the wounded man was helped 
around and into the auto. The others then came back, and 
called out: ‘‘Open this door, or we will do some shooting our- 
selves.” As no reply was made they fired several shots through 
the door. Miss Knowlton quickly drew Mr. Stoneman to one 
side and neither was injured. 

The secretary had remained away as long as he dared, and 


144 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


returned in time to hear the shooting and see the splinters fly. 
The other help in the house were also aroused, and came rushing 
in, trembling and frightened. After the shots a dash was made 
at the door, which gave way and three men sprang in, but they 
looked into the face of a resolute woman with a revolver pointed 
at them, and she said : ‘ ‘ If you move a foot this way, I will kill 
you all if I can.” 

What would have been the issue no one can tell, for at that 
moment a police auto with a squad of men rolled up, and before 
the ruffians could turn or escape, the door was blocked and they 
were covered with revolvers, aimed to kill if any resistance was 
offered. They surrendered, were securely hand-cuffed, placed 
under guard in the police van, and the injured guard, who had 
regained consciousness, but could not move because tightly 
bound, was taken into the house, while the wounded kidnapper 
was taken to the hospital. The prisoners were quickly indicted, 
and there being no possible defense, they pleaded guilty. In 
fact they were frank enough to confess that their purpose was 
to get Mr. Stoneman into the auto, and skip to a secluded place 
in the country from which they expected to treat in safety for 
a large reward for his return. 

The plan to kidnap Mr. Stoneman originated in New York, 
and was traced, with reasonable certainty, to a curbstone broker, 
who, at one time, was in the employ of the inner circle of the 
Oil Company, but who had been dropped because of his dissi- 
pated habits. It was thought wise when he was discharged to 
start him in the brokerage business as he knew too much to be 
thrown upon his own resources. He did well at first, and might 
have been rich, but the drink habit came back with greater 
power, and he lost all, and was at last driven to the curb. This 
man was well educated, shrewd and afraid of nothing but the 
law, and as to this he would take long chances. He had been 
sharp enough to cover his tracks, though he had been the insti- 
gator of many doubtful transactions. It was learned that he 
had been seen in company with, at least, one of the prisoners, 
and that he was in Cleveland two days before the attack, but 
the evidence was not strong enough to convict. This was not 
the first plan to capture Mr. Stoneman. Detectives had foiled 
several schemes. One came very near being successful while he 
was in Europe, and failed only because Mr. Stoneman changed 
his plans over night, and went in another direction, never know- 
ing how near he came visiting the camp of a noted Italian ban- 
dit. There was much excitement over this attack, and papers 
and magazines in all lands published editorials, condemning in 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


145 


strong language such crimes, but the pictures and cartoons were 
graphic, often grotesque and always striking. 

Mr. Stoneman, and especially Miss Knowlton, were praised 
and commended for their bravery, and she for her good shot, for 
this no doubt saved the capture of Mr. Stoneman and most like- 
ly some loss of life. This experience was a severe shock to him 
and for some days it was feared he might not recover. His 
nerves slowly became normal, and in a few weeks he was up and 
around, but not with his old strength, for his walk was weak 
and feeble. The sentences of thh kidnappers, even though they 
pleaded guilty were nearly the full limit of the law, which some- 
what relieved the intense feeling against them. 

About two months after this attack, a report was published 
that the wife and three children of the leader of the gang were 
living in a miserable hovel near New York, with nothing to eat 
and little to wear. This was read to Mr. Stoneman and he at 
once sent to Miss Knowlton and asked her to investigate this 
family. She did this quickly and her report was that she found 
them as bad as was reported, but that the wife was a woman of 
culture, and good character, but too feeble to earn support 
for her children. Mr. Stoneman directed that $50.00 be paid 
to this woman each month, until he should otherwise order. 
This was done as secretly as possible, but the reporters, looking 
for something to make public which the parties wanted kept out 
of the papers, found that some one was helping the family and 
as they could not locate with certainty the benefactor, they 
guessed it was Mr. Stoneman and wrote it up’’ accordingly. 
This caused much comment, but the $50 per month kept coming, 
and the wife and children were fed and clothed. There sprang 
from this a result not expected or thought of by any of the 
parties. 

One day the following letter came to Mr. Stoneman : 

Dear Sir : You will be surprised to hear from me, but my 
wife has written me what you have done for her and the chil- 
dren, and I want you to know a little how thankful she is, and 
especially how grateful I am. The real cause of my wicked at- 
tempt upon you, was to get money to take care of my family, 
and educate my children, but, thank God, I failed. I shall serve 
the time fixed by the court, and if I get out alive, will do the 
best I can to be a good husband, father, and citizen. I never 
believed in religion, until I received my wife’s letter that some- 
one was sending her $50 a month, but she did not know who this 
10 


146 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


was. I tried hard to guess, but I could recall no friend who 
would have that much interest in me and my family. This 
morning I was shown an item in the papers, saying you were 
supposed to be the person who had done this. I tell you this 
broke me all up, and I am sure now there is such a thing as 
true Christianity, and I am fully resolved to serve my God from 
this time on. I was once well to do, but was crushed out of bus- 
iness by a trust, lost all, and became desperate. I now see my 
error, and beg your pardon for the wrong I attempted to do 
you, and the trouble I caused. Work of any kind will be a 
pleasure when I am again free. You can not tell how light 
hearted and happy I am, and all because of your Christ-like 
loving kindness to my family, when we had no claim on you, 
and I had done you such an injury. God will surely bless you 
and from now on we will both love and serve the same Heavenly 
Father. Again thanking you, I remain. 

Your repentant friend, 

JAMES TOLAND. 

Mr. Stoneman was much alfected by this letter. He had 
found pleasure in helping the wife and children, but he had no 
thought that his kindness would reach within the prison walls 
and make a bad man good. He sent for his friend Rev. Backus, 
and together with the pastor of his own church they had a long 
and earnest consultation. Mr. Backus questioned whether the 
repentance was real or assumed, as the surest way of obtaining 
a pardon, but the tone of the letter was so natural and so fra- 
grant with the odor of true repentance, that all doubt as to its 
genuineness was removed. Mr. Stoneman asked: ‘‘What is the 
right thing for me to do?^’ His pastor was of the opinion that 
a line acknowledging the receipt of the letter, and thankfulness 
that Toland had seen the error of his ways, was all Mr. Stone- 
man could do. Mr. Backus thought something more should be 
done or said, but just what, he could not tell. 

Mr. Stoneman said: “The case is full of perplexities and 
difficulties, but am I in a position to cast a stone? What has 
this man done more than T, and those associated with me? He 
sought by capturing me to force a large payment from me or 
my friends. As the head of a great corporation I demanded re- 
sults, which I knew or might have known could only be obtained 
by taking from others their honest business and property. I had 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEM)AN 


147 


no enmity against those who were crushed to make my plans 
successful, nor had Toland and his friends any personal grudge 
against me. I kept out of law^s reach, or threw golden dust in 
the eyes of justice, and went free. Toland was caught and plead- 
ed guilty. He repents. So have I, and really I can see but little 
difference between us, only I have kept the plunder, and he did 
not get any, and he gets the punishment and I go free. I think 
this is the right view, but still do not see my way clear. If Toland 
was free I could give him work. How would it do to move his 
family to some place in the west, where there is a good school, 
and have them change the name of Toland to Doland, and then 
in a short time we could get the state to pardon Toland, and he 
too would take the name of Doland, and no one would know his 
past. Like Toland, there is much I would gladly take back and 
forget, and have all men forget, but regrets cure nothing and I 
cannot hide or change my name and live a new life.’’ 

The last sentence was spoken in a voice which almost suggest- 
ed envy of Toland ’s position. The two clergymen were greatly 
embarrassed by this frankness on the part of Mr. Stoneman, but 
they saw that he had told the truth, and yet they wanted to com- 
fort him. Mr. Backus broke the almost oppressive stillness by 
saying: ‘Ht is fortunate indeed, for us poor weak mortals, that 
our Creator provided a way of escape from our dead and sinful 
selves. He has promised to wash us to heavenly whiteness, and 
to remember our sins no more forever. All he asked is honest 
repentance and faithful service. Toland seems to have repented 
and he can, in the prison, begin his Master’s service, and his con- 
finement may be made the most blissful and useful part of his 
life.” To this all agreed, and Mr. Stoneman asked Mr. Backus 
if he would undertake to see the Toland famdly and then call 
and see Toland himself, and arrange matters to carry out the 
suggestions of Mr. Stoneman. Mr. Backus was under great ob- 
ligations to Mr. Stoneman and said he would be glad to serve 
him in any way possible. They then joined in prayer with the 
pastor of Mr. Stoneman ’s church, and the visitors retired. Mr. 
Stoneman called his stenographer and dictated the following 
letter : 

I 

Mr. James Toland. 

Dear Sir: Your unexpected letter was duly received. The 
reporters did wrong to publish what they did, but I greatly re- 
joice, if the little I have done has caused you to become a better 
man. I have no feeling of anger or revenge against you. What 
you and your companions undertook was a very poor investment. 


148 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


but if you are made a Christian citizen, it is a clear case of mak- 
ing the wrath of man to praise our Heavenly Father. I know 
that our divine Master does forgive sins, for he has done so for 
me. How are the men who were with you? Did your wounded 
man get over his injury. I cannot say all there is in my heart, 
but if I am living when you are free, I shall be glad to have you 
call on me, that is, if you keep the faith and hold on in the 
Christian life. It pays large dividends to serve Christ and 
follow his teachings. I have asked a friend of mine to call and 
see you. I will pray for you and your fellow prisoners and re- 
main, Yours truly, 

JOHN STONEMAN. 


This letter was delivered to Toland, but it was some time 
before he could see anything very friendly in it. Mr. Stoneman, 
at times, was said to gush a little in a meek sort of way, a way 
which suggested that he would like to be more friendly and jolly, 
but he did not know just how. In letter writing his habit of 
caution held the reins tightly, and prosy common-place was the 
usual style. Toland however caught a little of the real spirit 
of John Stoneman in the words: shall be glad to have you 

call on me^’ for he argued that if Mr. Stoneman wanted him to 
call, he was more interested than the rest of his letter suggested. 
Toland, at the recreation hour, sought his comrades and told 
them what Mr. Stoneman had done, and let them read the letter. 
Two were deeply touched, but the other one made light of Mr. 
Stoneman ’s friendship, and with bitter words denounced the 
woman who shot him, and he threatened to do violence to her 
and all her friends when he was free again. Toland and the 
other two did their best to keep this hot-head quiet, and they 
were glad when the signal for retiring came. 

A few weeks after this, Mr. Backus called at the peniten- 
tiary and had a talk with Toland. The wife and children 
quietly left and found a safe home in a small town in Indiana, 
and through the influence of Mr. Stoneman soon after, Mr. To- 
land was pardoned and at once called on Mr. Stoneman. When 
he left he had a check payable to the order of John Doland 
sufficient to start him in a small business. 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


149 


CHAPTER XVIII. 

The fall of 1915 found a general depression in business 
throughout the country. There was no panic, for the volume of 
indebtedness was very low. During the summer, stocks had 
been declining and speculation quiet. The rates of interest were 
high. This state of things suggested to speculators the best 
time to force stock down, and to crush the market. Many who 
had always stood on the bull side became bears. The leaders, 
in the intended raid, worked very quietly and had matters well 
protected. 

Mr. Hoover was a very busy man, and had not time or in- 
clination to either bull or bear the market, though he kept a 
sharp eye on what was going on. He kept detectives on the 
watch, to learn the plans of those who would make money out 
of the misfortunes of others and one day information of a com- 
bination was brought to him. It had for its prime object the 
bearing of the price of oil company stocks of several other large 
corporations, with intent to obtain control. The attack was 
made along the whole line, and sure enough the values began to 
tumble. Mr. Hoover took a flying trip to visit Mr. Stoneman. 
As a result of this visit Mr. Hoover set his brokers to quietly 
purchasing all the stock of these several companies when offered 
at low enough flgures. As a rule these purchases were in small 
blocks, and were made by so many different agents, that no one 
suspected ^r. Hoover or John Stoneman as being the real pur- 
chasers. Matters ran on in this way for nearly two months. 
The value of the stocks kept declining and the stocks were sold 
in larger blocks. At last the bears awakened to the fact that 
very little stock was being offered, and the next day, stocks be- 
gan a slight advance. The day of settlement was near, and 
those who had been selling short, were in trouble. A number of 
failures were announced, and doubt and fear were everywhere. 
The day before flnal settlement a call for Mr. Hoover was rung 
upon his private wire, and he was asked if he would see a friend 
for ten minutes, which request was granted, though the name 
was not given. 

A short time after this a card was sent in bearing the name 
of Upham. Mr. Hoover could not imagine what Mr. Upham 
wanted. For a year they had seldom met. While there had been 
no open rupture, neither had there been any marked friendship. 


150 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


Mr. Hoover had not forgotten his discharge and sufferings. 
These were indelibly stamped upon his memory. Mr. Upham 
had not forgotten that Mr. Hoover, as representing Mr. Stone- 
man, had overturned old methods, and practically pushed him 
out of the managements. Mr. Upham was shown in, and re- 
ceived in a very dignified but friendly manner. When they were 
seated and the commonplace remarks had passed, Mr. Upham 
said : ‘ ^ Hoover, I have come to you in a very delicate matter, and 
if you cannot help me, I trust you will forever keep mum. ’ ’ 

Mr. Hoover answered: 'Hf you request that our talk this 
afternoon be strictly private, I shall duly respect your request. ’ ’ 
^‘1 am satisfied with your word, for however we have differed 
as to business methods, I have never doubted your honesty or 
honor as a true gentleman. The fact is. Hoover, I must get 
financial help within twenty-four hours or I will lose not only 
millions but my standing as a broker and possibly my seat on 
the Board of Trade. 

This was a surprise to Mr. Hoover, for while he knew 
Upham had been in the bear pool, he did not think he had gone 
in very deep, and he said: ^^Mr. Upham, if you had knocked me 
down, I would not have been more surprised. Please tell me 
how matters are and if I can I will help you.” ''Thank you 
Mr. Hoover,” said Upham, "that is mighty kindly said in the 
face of the way I treated you and I will tell you all. I helped 
to organize this pool to break the prices of certain stocks. Prom 
something I had heard I thought you and Mr. Stoneman v/ould 
be glad to unload part or all of your holdings if you saw prices 
going down, and that others would do the same thing. The con- 
dition of the country was favorable, I thought, and many did 
throw their stocks on the market. The pool sold ^ort many 
millions, but one after another withdrew, refusing to take any 
greater risks. I thought that prices would go much lower, and 
to keep stocks on the down grade I foolishly sold beyond reason. 
I see tonight what I have feared for days, that the bulls will win 
out, and that prices will advance sharply. About five minutes 
before business closed today, a rebound set in, and offers to bu:^ 
at several points in advance over the morning quotations were 
made, but there were no sellers, and I am certain there will be 
an upward jump in the morning, which will crush me, or so 
cripple me as to count me out. I learned today, what I had 
not guessed, that you had been the purchaser of nine-tenths of 
all the stocks of these companies which have been offered. I 
was made certain of this because I know there was no one, who 
had the ability or financial backing, but you, who could do this. 
I am sure that the market tomorrow will be a wild scramble to 


THE CONVERSION OP JOHN STONEMAN 


151 


get these stocks, and that they will advance many points if they 
do not go back to the high prices before the decline began. This 
was fore-shadowed by the last few minutes on change. I realize 
that I am in your power, and I came to see what terms, if any, 
I can make/^ 

Mr. Hoover sat in thoughtful study for a moment and then 
said: ‘‘Have many innocent holders been frightened into sell- 
ing ? ’ ’ Mr. Upham replied : “ So far as I know but very few 
have sold. The truth is, a false report gave excuse for this bear 
movement. This report was given to a very limited circle, and 
was supposed to come from a very reliable source. It v/as to the 
effect that Mr. Stoneman wished to sell his holdings in several 
of these companies, for the purpose of making larger charitable 
donations. This came from a stenographer employed by one of 
Mr. Stoneman ’s attorneys, and if true it was too good news to 
give away, and we kept it. I now think the stenographer made 
a mistake and misunderstood the meaning of what was said. We 
have learned since that it was in reference to placing some of his 
stocks in trust for benevolent uses, and this stenographer sup- 
posed that was a sale. But this is no excuse, and I make no 
claim for mercy, but if a million or two of profit will satisfy you 
and Mr. Stoneman, I can pull through.’’ 

Mr. Hoover said: “I have been informed of all that has 
been done and have a record of all sales and purchases, which I 
believe to be correct. I shall be glad to help you if I can, but I 
want to talk with Mr. Stoneman for a few moments, if you will 
excuse me ; ” and he went to his private telephone room and call- 
ed Mr. Stoneman over the private wire. The newest improve- 
ments had been lately installed, and Mr. Stoneman could hear 
as plainly in his home the talking of Mr. Hoover in New York, 
as though Mr. Hoover had been in the room. After an absence 
of twenty minutes Mr. Hoover returned, a troubled, almost care- 
worn look on his face, and he asked Mr. Upham, “what settle- 
ment do you offer?” This put Mr. Upham in a tight place, for 
he could not guess from anything Mr. Hoover said or did, what 
offer would be accepted and he answered, “I can pay you two 
millions inside of three days.” “If stocks go up fifty points as 
I think they will, our profits would be some thirteen millions” 
said Mr. Hoover, and Mr. Upham ’s face was troubled. “As 
matters now stand I could not pay half that, ’ ’ said Upham. Mr. 
Hoover said: “Upham, I wish I had time to think matters over 
coolly and not be forced to act so quickly, but you cannot wait. 
The shifting market will swamp you, and we must act now. Mr. 
Stoneman has put all into my hands. He thinks as I do, that 
you attempted to make money by ruining others and that this 


152 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


was wrong, and it was this feeling which caused Mr. Stoneman 
to stand back of me in taking all the stocks offered or nearly 
all. I knew, in advance, of your intention, knew the parties 
who were in the pool with you, and the object you had in view. 
I have done all I could to protect the innocent holders but some 
have lost their stocks, having been held as collateral to loans. So 
far as I can I want these to be made good. I know this is not 
the common business way of looking at these matters, but Mr. 
Stoneman and I agreed that it is just as wrong to plan to run 
stocks up or down for the purpose of ruining others and mak- 
ing money thereby, as to cheat and defraud in any other way. 
I am well aware this is called old-fashioned, and by many fool- 
ish, and yet Mr. Upham you and I know it is right. But two 
wrongs never made a right. It is true our purpose was to catch 
you and your friends and to punish all by taking away some 
few millions. Mr. Stoneman has referred this matter of settle- 
ment entirely to me, with full power to act, and he told me I 
could have all there was made so it is between you and me. I 
have a complete record, I think, of all those who have been 
forced to sell, and know* about what the sum of their losses is. 
These losses will reach nearly $1,750,000. If you will give your 
word to make these parties good, by returning to them the 
stocks lost, under the same conditions they were before the de- 
cline began, I will cancel all the purchases we have made, you 
simply paying broker charges.’’ 

Mr. Upham turned very red, then the color fled and he was 
again almost white, and again the blood returned. He had look- 
ed for a flat refusal or very hard terms. He never had kno^vn 
John Stoneman to relent when money was to be made, and he 
could think of no reason why Mr. Hoover should throw away 
such a chance to make millions. He looked in Hoover’s eyes 
and said : ‘ ‘ Hoover, I cannot understand you. Here is a chance 
to make millions, and you fling it aside, only asking that those 
who are nothing to you may be saved from their losses. This 
is not natural, is not good business, and I don’t see why you do 
it. I am, indeed most grateful to you and Mr. Stoneman, and if 
he really had any part in this generous treatment, shall change 
my opinion of both of you, and why you do it is a mystery.” 
‘‘If you have a few moments to stay I will explain why,” said 
Mr. Hoover. 

“You will hardly agree with me, I think, but I believe 
money making should be as religious an employment as work- 
ing in a church. I mean business should be so honestly con- 
ducted, so lovingly conducted, that the teachings of Christ 
would be exemplified in every day life, which would be doing 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEM'AN 


153 


as one would want to be done by. If I took from you ten or 
twenty millions for which I have done nothing, have paid noth- 
ing, save that I had taken advantage of my knowledge of con 
ditions, I would be violating the spirit of Christian business. 
The common business man would say: ^You should punish the 
man who tries to run stocks up or down for speculative pur- 
poses.^ I felt that way at first and so did Mr. Stoneman. But 
this is wrong, for there is in it neither revenge nor greed and 
avarice. I have done only what I know Mr. Stoneman wanted 
done, and I hope you will not feel under any obligations or suf- 
fer any embarrassment from it. If prices go up tomorrow as I 
think they will, no one from this side will let anyone know you 
have not had to pay in full, but I do hope you will see life’s duty 
and individual responsibilities in a different light.” 

Mr. Upham became very serious as Mr. Hoover was talking 
and said: ‘‘Once when John Stoneman talked to the Ship Com- 
pany Board, I half believed there was more in religion than I 
had ever supposed, and this evening I am certain there is. You 
are a young man, and must have the hopes and aspirations 
which come to men of your age. You know the value and power 
of money and yet, because you think it wrong, you give up an 
immense fortune and save me from disgrace, if not financial 
ruin when I, in the past, did you a wrong. I know you cannot 
have a selfish end in view, and the only explanation possible is, 
that you are obeying the higher law. I have sometimes, when 
alone, thought of my spiritual state, and if, indeed, I had a 
spirit. I have read many books, and even the Bible, but I never 
could feel that religion was a verity, till this afternoon. I thank 
you and Mr. Stoneman as much for this as for the financial fa- 
vors you have shown me. It may take time for me to mentally 
and spiritually digest the lessons you have taught, but my views 
and ideas have certainly changed. One word on business before 
I go. I cannot consent to go scot free and let those who went 
in with me suffer. A few will lose nearly all and I will show 
my appreciation of your example by helping them out. ’ ’ 

Mr. Hoover took the hand of Mr. Upham in an impulsive 
grasp and said: “Upham, this makes me ten times more happy 
than any amount of money ever could. Those who were with you 
will be treated as you, so far as we have purchased their stocks, 
but those who purchased the other ten per cent, will insist upon 
a full settlement. This will not take a large sum, and if you get 
short, let me know.” “I again thank you, Mr. Hoover, and shall 
try to live so that neither you nor Mr. Stoneman will have cause 
to regret the great kindness shown me-.” The two men shook 
hands and parted warm friends for life. 


154 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


A full report of this transaction and the change it pro- 
duced in Mr. Upham caused Mr. Stoneman some hard thinking. 
When he turned the business over to Mr. Hoover to do as he 
thought best there was no doubt in his mind, but that Mr. 
Hoover would insist on settlement that would bring at least 
several million dollars. This he thought would be a good lesson 
to Mr. Upham and his friends, and there still lingered in Mr. 
Stoneman a taste for money-making. Upon first hearing the 
report, he feared Hoover had made a mistake, and he doubted 
whether he, himself, had not made a mistake in intrusting 
Hoover with such responsibilities. But this doubt did not last 
long, for he began to weigh results which might come, if the 
change in Upham would prove permanent. The more he studied 
the matter, the more he became convinced that Mr. Hoover had 
acted wisely, and for the best. . The path of Mr. Upham was 
not decked with roses. He met his friends on change as usual, 
but his vivacity and sarcastic jokes were much modified or want- 
ing. Stocks advanced sharply, though few sales were made, and 
these almost insignificant in amounts. It was evident to old 
timers, that something out of the ordinary had taken place, but 
what, no one could tell. 

Mr. Upham and his clique were at ease when they should 
have been excited, and making frantic efforts to stop the ad- 
vance. Bids for large blocks at higher and higher prices were 
being posted but holders of stock did not sell. When the stock 
exchange closed at noon, all knew the bear movement was over, 
and that stocks were going back to their normal and proper 
values. Mr. Upham promptly began the task of making good 
to those included in the list given him by Mr. Hoover. He 
became greatly interested in this, for it was a new experience. 
The first party he called upon was an old man who at one time 
had been pastor of a Boston church. He lived quietly and alone, 
except his servant, having invested his savings and the donations 
made by his people when he retired, in oil stocks. The amount 
was not large, but the income was sufficient to meet his wants, 
and his greatest delight was in helping those in need, and in 
purchasing new and rare books. When the oil stock had fallen 
ten points, the thought came to him, that here was a chance to 
increase his income. He would borrow on his stock at the bank 
and buy a large block on margin. He had such confidence in 
the stock that he never once thought it would go lower than the 
ten points. He consulted a broker friend, who advised him not 
to buy a large block, but save something to meet further decline 
if stocks went lower. The old gentleman, however, was a little 
greedy and purchased too much, so that when the price declined. 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMLA.N 


155 


his margin was wiped out, his stocks sold, and he was left to 
charity. His friends had provided for him for the few days 
after his loss, but he was broken and sad at heart. When Mr. 
Upham called, he found the old man reading the Bible. It was 
easy to draw out the old man’s story, and then Mr. Upham did 
what surprised himself, as well as the old man, for he handed 
him as many shares of oil stock as he had lost. It is always a 
pleasure to do that which brings heart-felt thanks from the 
aged. There is a degree of helplessness that appeals to the 
young, and the reverence we have been taught should be rendered 
those many years our senior, adds weight to their gratitude. 
Mr. Upham tried to check the thanks of the old man but there 
came to him a joy and warmness of heart that he had never be- 
fore felt. The aged minister was anxious to learn how it came 
that a perfect stranger should do him such a favor. All Mr. 
Upham could tell him was that in certain business transactions, 
it was made his pleasant duty to deliver those shares of stock, 
and that in doing it he experienced the greatest pleasure he had 
ever known in business. Most of those on the list were visited 
by agents and while all were greatly surprised and thankful, 
there were some, who, after receiving back all they had lost, 
credited the generosity to fear of prosecution for some violation 
of law in running stocks down, rather than a generous purpose. 

There was one other case which Mr. Upham personally set- 
tled, which produced quite an effect. It was that of a M'rs. 
Sally Jenkins, who lived in Jersey City. Just why M*r. Upham 
wanted to settle this himself he could not tell. He crossed the 
river and rang the bell at a fine looking stone front, on one of 
the best streets. A servant answered, and he asked if Mrs. Jen- 
kins was at home. The answer was that she was not very well, 
and unless the business was important, she did not care to come 
down. Mr. Upham said it was important, but it need not take 
her more than ten minutes. In a few moments Mrs. Jenkins 
entered the parlor. She was about thirty-five years of age, 
brown hair and quite good looking, but there were lines of care 
and marks of weeping. Mr. Upham said: Madam, I do not 
care to give my name, for that is not necessary. You lost some 
in the decline of oil stock last week, I think. How much did 
you lose?” Mrs. Jenkins dropped into a chair, and burst into 
tears. ‘‘Why did you come here to taunt me with that?” she 
said. “I know I have lost, and if Mr. Jenkins has found out 
and told, it is mean to send you here. How could I know stocks 
were going to fall?” Mr. Upham assured her that he did not 
know her husband, had never met him, to his knowledge, that 
his mission was that of a friend. She said: “My father left me 


156 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


$10,000. My husband wanted me to buy out an interest in a 
store, but I was afraid. A friend who knows about stocks and 
such things, told me to buy oil stock, for it would be sure to go 
up very soon. I could not buy much with $10,000, but I could 
buy a larger amount by paying only twenty-five cents on each 
share, which this broker friend said would be perfectly safe, 
and that the dividends would then pay the balance on the stock 
in a few years and that it would be a very good investment. 
Just after I had purchased, the stock went down and it went 
so fast, that the bank sold it before I knew it, and there are 
five hundred due the bank over and above what the stock 
brought. My husband is very good to me, and has not asked 
what I did with the money, but I have been afraid to tell him 
I lost it.’’ 

‘^When did the bank sell?” asked Mr. Upham. ^‘Last week 
Monday,” she answered. Mr. Upham consulted a little note- 
book and said: ‘‘The stock on that day was below what it is 
today. You will please not ask who does what I shall propose, 
nor why. You were letting the dividends pay for the stock and 
that was a good plan. On tomorrow there will be deposited in 
your name in the same bank, the same number of shares you 
lost, with exactly the same amount due on them, you owed be- 
fore the decline began, and I have no doubt the dividends in- 
side of three years will pay the balance. If you have other 
funds with which to pay the balance you will have an income 
more than you will need.” 

Mrs. Jenkins sat as though stupefied. The color left her 
face and then the blood rushed back, making it scarlet and then 

she said: “I beg your pardon Mr. , I think you have not 

given me your name, but I am not an object of charity, and I 
certainly cannot be under such obligations to a stranger. You 
say I need not ask who you are, nor why you do this, but if you 
are a true gentleman and I think you must be, you can see that 
I am right.” 

Mr. Upham said: “You are strictly correct in your views, 
but I must keep my agreement and make good your loss. If you 
will promise to keep all I tell you to yourself, I will give you 
some facts but no names. Of course I am not asking you to 
keep anything from your husband, but I must ask you to caution 
him in case you feel that it is best to talk with him. A company 
of men combined to break the price of certain stocks, and they 
did so by selling short many millions, thinking stocks would go 
much lower. A very large percentage of these stocks were 
bought by two men, or possibly it would be more near the truth 
to say, by one man. Those who were trying to break the market 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMIAN 


157 


could not force prices any lower, and the stocks began to go up. 
A settlement was made ; one condition being that certain parties 
who had lost their stocks, should be made good and you are one 
of these. This is the truth and now you can take the stocks. ’ ^ 

Mrs. Jenkinses face brightened and tears of joy were in her 
eyes as she said: ^Mll bet Jim Hoover had a hand in that, for it 
was he that told me to buy. If he thinks it will be all right for 
me to take the stock I shall be glad to take it.’’ can assure 
you,” said Mr. Upham, ‘'he will think it all right, and I hope 
you will say nothing of this to anyone unless it be your hus- 
band. ” “Whom am I to thank for this?” asked Mrs. Jenkins. 
“My dear madam,” said Mr. Upham, “no thanks are to be 
given anyone, and surely not me, for I have experienced the re- 
finement of pleasure, in seeking the relief that came to you. I 
have learned that millions unused, do not give happiness, and 
I look upon all it takes to make up the losses suffered by certain 
parties, of whom you are one, as the best investment I ever made, 
and yet it was not my planning. If you will let this matter rest 
between us it will be all the thanks anyone will want and I 
trust you will pardon me for not giving my name.” With this 
he said good-day and withdrew. 

On his way back he walked from the ferry. His mind was 
very active for he was thinking hard of matters that were new 
and strange. He felt stronger and lighter hearted than for 
many a day. In order not to meet acquaintances he took by- 
streets, for he did not feel like talking to old friends. His way 
led along one of the narrow streets, on which stood one of Mr. 
Stoneman’s apartment houses. The street had changed much, 
though poverty and wrong still held their way in the al- 
leys and cross streets. Just as he reached this street, a woman 
in the garb of a deaconess came out of an alley a little ahead 
of him. Here he thought, is one who knows where -money can 
do real good, and I will speak to her. A few quick steps brought 
him to the woman’s side and he said: “Pardon me, madam, but 
I see you are a deaconess and you must know where money can 
be used to advantage to help the needy. I suppose I ought to 
know myself, but I don’t. My life has been too much taken 
up with money making, to use it in charitable ways, and if you 
will use some for me, or tell me where I can do it, and how I can 
do it, I shall be more than thankful.” 

The lady looked up and asked, “How came you on this 
street?” “I came from the ferry and not wanting to meet any 
of my old chums, I came this way around.” 

She saw he was in earnest and he saw a tpim young lady, 
beautiful even in her plain garb. “If you will come with me I 


158 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


will show you a little that can be done, for I was just on my 
way to render some assistance.’’ She led him to a narrow 
street, and along the narrow dirty walk of a rickety four-story 
building, up two flights of stairs to a suite of three rooms. The 
door was open, and they entered. Everything in the room 
showed poverty, and in the bed lay an old man with sunken 
ghastly eyes, and in a chair nearby sat on old woman. At first 
neither seemed to notice the new-comers, but the deaconess said, 
‘‘Mrs. Chalflant, I came to see if you needed anything.” The 
old man roused up and said, “Madam we have had nothing to 
eat since yesterday. Mary cannot get up and down stairs, and, 
I can move but little, and the street thieves came and stole all 
that you gave us.” 

Mr. Upham was touched in a way he never had been before, 
and advancing to the bed he said: “Mr. Chalflant, what is the 
trouble with you ? ” “ Oh ! I was knocked out in a gasoline explo- 
sion ten years ago and never got well.” “Are you Charles J. 
Chalflant?” asked Mr. Upham. “That is my name,” said the 
man. Mr. Upham turned and there were tears in his eyes as he 
said to the deaconess, “I will take full charge of these good 
people. I knew them when I was a boy, and they shall have the 
best from this on, but where can I send a check to you for use 
among the needy?” 

“You can send any donations to Mrs. Alma Hoover, St. 
Eegis,” said the deaconess. “Are you Mrs. J. H. Hoover?” 
asked Mr. Upham. “Yes, I am she,” was her answer. “I am 
surprised, but not half as much surprised as I would have been 
one week ago, for I too have tasted a little of the joy of doing 
for others, and I owe very much of this if not all to your good 
husband.” 

“Then you must be Mr. Upham and I am glad to meet you, 
though the surroundings are not very grand. Mr. Hoover tells 
me all his business and we have no secrets from each other but 
all is as safe with me as with him.” 

Here the old man broke in. “Are you Upham, the son 
of Henry Upham? If you are, why did you not answer my 
letters?” asked Mr. Chalflant. Mr. Upham said, “If you wrote, 
I never received the letters, but I thought you were well fixed.” 
“I was fairly well fixed when I was injured,” he answered, 
“but doctor’s bills, nurse’s pay, and no income soon used up all 
I had. We did fairly well until last year, when the last we had 
was used up, and since then we have sold off our furniture and 
stuff, a piece at a time until all is gone. ’ ’ 

“You shall be taken care of now,” said Mr. Upham and he 
asked Mrs. Hoover if she would stay while he went out a few 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEM'AN 


159 


minutes. He knew a good restaurant nearby, and ordered a 
dinner such as these old people had not seen for years, and 
indeed more by far than was necessary. A woman would have 
done better, for he had nearly all the different kinds of food 
and relishes named in a long bill of fare. He also ordered a 
bottle of wine and one of champagne, but countermanded the 
orders when he thought how out of character such things would 
be. A porter carried the large basket of provisions, and Mrs. 
Hoover soon had both the old people eating a good and sub- 
stantial meal, though she laughed some at the odd things Mr. 
Upham had purchased. Mrs. Chalflant had said little till the 
dinner came, and when she became convinced that their wants 
were really to be supplied, tears fell from her eyes and she 
thanked them in a low voice but sweet spirit. Mrs. Hoover sent 
Mr. Upham to find a party to protect the old people from the 
thieving street Arabs who were watching on the street until the 
strangers left, and the next day the old people were carefully 
removed to a quiet, pleasant home, where the best medical skill 
soon enabled them both to enjoy themselves and look after their 
own wants. 

Mr. Upham was a changed man. He could not under- 
stand how it all came about, but he saw life and his responsi- 
bilities to others, in a new and different light. Certain things 
which he had before in a way enjoyed were now distasteful to 
him, and he found in his home with his family a pleasure not 
realized for some years. His wife noticed the change, and when 
she asked if he was not going out in the evening, he said no, he 
would stay at home, and then her love and joy were showm in 
tears and kisses. His old chums were shocked beyond measure 
when he told them he had found more happiness in making a few 
unfortunates enjoy life, than he had ever found in any of their 
bacchanalian orgies, or even in the mad contest of money-mak- 
ing. He withdrew from all those old ways of doubtful morality, 
and used his money and influence for the good of others, which 
caused any amount of comment. 

When Mr. Stoneman heard of the change in Mr. Upham, 
he asked that they send for Mr. Upham to visit him; which he 
did, and he found Mr. Stoneman so changed that he could 
hardly keep back an exclamation of surprise. Mr. Stoneman 
was almost extravagant in his expression of joy at seeing Mr. 
Upham, though he showed that such joy was more on account 
of the changes in Mr. Upham, than on account of their past 
intimacy. They talked of the past and Mr. Upham agreed that 
the methods formerly used were not just right, though he had 
not yet reached the spiritual development which came to him 


160 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


later. Christian character like all else the good Lord has given 
man to make him God-like, comes by cultivation and growth. 
Mr. Stoneman was not able to talk long at a time, and his 
physicians and nurses kept strict guard. The conversation was 
earnest and Mr. Stoneman told Mr. Upham how glad he was 
that he had found pleasure in doing good to the helpless. Mr. 
Upham said that he had done nothing worthy of commendation, 
but admitted that in doing what he had, a new light had come 
to him. As Mr. Upham was about to leave Mr. Stoneman said : 

Upham, you are comparatively young, you have seen much of 
the world and what is called the ^ upper tendom.’ You have 
also seen a little of how our brothers and sisters suffer, and I 
trust you will bring your education, strong will povrer, and 
means, to the help of the sorrowing. You may not believe as I 
do, but if you read Christ’s teachings and do business and use 
time, talents and money, as he directs, you will get more returns 
from life than can possibly be found in the money making life 
you have heretofore followed. I have but little time to live and 
not much strength, or mental power to redeem the past. I have 
tried to do a little, but there is so much left undone. Wrong 
and vice are ever at work, making it necessary for Christian 
men and women to be on the watch. Wrong and vice bring 
suffering and sorrow. Misfortune comes to good men, and these 
demand help. Oh, my dear boy ! There is so much to do, and I 
would so love to help do it, and cannot. I have lost such won- 
derful opportunities! Can’t you give yourself to helping the 
world, and in a little way make good my neglect? I am sure 
our Heavenly Father has forgiven me, but that doesn’t make 
good my mistakes. Only for his forgiveness the account would 
stand against me. I pray God to give you that consecration of 
heart which will enable you to devote life and means to your 
fellowmen. I can die much more contented because I am sure 
you will do all you can to change the methods of the business 
world, and make them what they should be, and guide men to 
invest their talents and money better than I have done.” 

Mr. Stoneman ’s voice showed that he was over exerting 
himself, and Mr. Upham was deeply affected, more than by any- 
thing he had experienced for years. He took the old man’s 
hand, and in a voice showing strong emotion said : ' ‘ Mr. Stone- 
man, I thank you very much for what you have said. You know 
I have not lived right, but so help me God, I will try my best 
to do better in the future. I promise you to study the teachings 
of Christ, and if I can live up to them I mean to do so but it 
will not be so easy and I may fail.” 


THE CONVERSION OP JOHN STONBMAN 101 

‘ ‘ No, you will not fail, ^ ’ said Mr. Stoneman, ‘ ‘ you will 
receive divine help and I shall pray for you.’’ 

There was a tender parting between advanced age and 
strong manhood, and Mr. Upham went to his home a better man. 
The strong, active constitution of Mr. Stoneman was giving way 
rapidly. He sat up a little, but his earthly stay was evidently 
short. A few days after Mr. Upham left, Mr. Stoneman lapsed 
into a listless condition, sleeping much of the time. One after- 
noon he awoke seemingly much refreshed, and calling his secre- 
tary he said, ‘‘Send for Mr. Hoover and his wife, and my family 
as soon as possible.” These gathered as quickly as steam and 
electricity could bring them, and all were shocked at the change 
which had so quickly come over Mr. Stoneman. He said little, 
at times hardly recalled the names of those present, but at other 
times he was brighter and hope came to his friends. 

One afternoon he roused himself and said : “Have my family 
and friends, and Mr. and Mrs. Backus come to my room at 10 
o’clock tomorrow morning.” The doctors and nurses were 
troubled and advised against having this gathering for they 
feared the excitement would be too much for him, but he in- 
sisted and on that Saturday morning his immediate family, the 
pastor of his own church. Hoover and wife and Mr. and Mrs. 
Backus were gathered in his room. A bed had been placed in 
his library and he rested as they came softly around, saying 
nothing, but seemingly in deep thought. When all were present 
he asked the nurse to lift him up, and he was bolstered into a 
half sitting position, and then began talking in a low voice at 
first, but it grew stronger as he said: “I have called you here 
to say a few last words. My time to go has nearly come. T feel 
certain T can live but a short time and in my poor weak con- 
dition I have no desire to live. I have called my family, be- 
cause it is to them I wish to speak; these other friends, that they 
may witness to all I say if hereafter it should become necessary. 
Do not live to make money. Make money to live, and true living 
is doing what Christ has taught. He came to help all who sin, 
back to the right way. Do not make the mistakes I have made. 
I have left you all enough so that by careful investments, you 
will be more than comfortable, and can help those who have 
not. Here is where true comfort and happiness are found. 
Amanda Tilley, the colored woman, taught me this. I have 
given away large sums, but what I have given to the poor, the 
humblest, the most suffering, have been the best gifts and the 
best investments. I mean these gifts have brought me the most 
happiness. Since I drew my will, many things have taken 
place, and I am having drawn a codicil, making certain changes 


162 


THE CONVERSION OF JOHN STONEMAN 


to meet the present conditions. I am too weak to discuss these, 
but I want no trouble about my property after I am gone. I 
once thought money and property the objects of living, but this 
was wrong, and I hope and pray none of my blood will ever 
make that mistake, or think money making the chief end of life. 
The mind, the soul, friendship and love are all infinitely of 
more value. An old man’s blessing is given to you all, and I 
must bid you good-bye for time.” 

The exertion had greatly exhausted him and the doctors 
and nurses worked hard to bring back the vital forces. He lay in 
a quiet stupor but talked constantly though it was so disconnected 
as not to have meaning. This continued until just as day was 
breaking the next morning, when he sat up in bed with strength 
they did not suppose he possessed and called out, ‘‘Jjower the 
price of Crude one cent! Advance burning oil one-half cent 
and call in the rebates from the Pennsylvania!” 

The attendants were startled and attempted to assist in 
some way, but the old man fell back and breathed no more. 

The effects of Mr. Stoneman’s death were the same as gen- 
erally follow the death of men in public life, or who have moved 
large business enterprises, only differing in degree, and in his 
case differing because that late in his life he had changed his 
spiritual views and feelings which left to the world a dual 
personality, the man before and after. The many legal contests 
over his property are matters of record. Had he lived to sign 
the codicil to his will, some of these would have been avoided. 
His last words spoken in the delirium of dissolution have been 
used by heartless critics to prove that the change of heart was 
not real, but was a pretense for selfish purpose. But the major- 
ity at that time did not believe this and all who have read the 
history of John Stoneman are convinced that the loving acts 
and ever ready to help those who repent, and that no one can 
be so rich in this world’s goods as to be beyond the reach of 
divine love. 


36 4 92 



^ Vi-v 

:->V' V 


0.H * 


J I'l ^ 




% 






, . ’>K 

.5^ ;«aB* 1?v 


u r 

^°-'i 


V'"V^''‘'•tv 

, ov < 

V- IW/ IW.- . 

0° °0 ^-J- 




<v^ '- 

tv ^>4 ^ 

^ O^ 4> 


.•>■ ;-P 

'"b “ b 

'S'^4> o 



^ « 

O 

> ^ 
A*! J» ^ ^ V 

■^b“”°;»4“'X' 


; 




° WSSAW •» ^‘^’'''J'-v * SiTlIf^ Z' ^ 

^ "!! V*o^ ° «> <* - 


V n.'«W *“ !?■ 

X:“““:A' 


‘^* /O 

- 4 

0 'V ^-v 

1 “ 

. ', W ■” ■i«'''\ “ W-- ^<*5’'”% •. ^ 

O ^ ^>0 


« <VA 




X '■v 

4V ^'1*0, 4>, 

V A. ^’• 


■> .' ®*“ ; -• I 








oho'^ 




x^iA . . .V^>"!. • o?v 









'^¥'. . »^*>:, . . . ,K'-- < 

v.s'S" .-'jfe'* -'■MiC'o •<•«. - • - - ' • 







► <v X 


.6^ v^ 

^ C,oNC4. ^ 


V -V 

5P<K ^ 




^ m s ^ \p ^ V, V ‘z 


'■- s JH.- - 

^ ■, <v ''<^ <Sf v ^ ' 

"""o ' ’ "/r^S ’ ‘>>j^'X' ' • ’>t'* “ 



X •X^'^vX*“X*^5%‘ * • '7V'"°’ v' 






Xi>'^-‘vr»\o 

■ ^o 4^ V 

I ^ <^5s^sAt'f^^v ip ^ K ^ 






